Famed for being the home of the Sai Baba, Shirdi is considered as one of the most sacred places in India. Tucked away in the Indian state of Maharashtra, this holy town brims with devotees all year round.
Who was Sai Baba?
Having advocated religious tolerance, Sai Baba of Shirdi is revered by Hindus as well as Muslims. This great saint practiced religious tolerance by praying in both a mosque and a temple. Sai Baba preached the Universal religion of love and gave blessings to people without discriminating against them based on caste, creed, and religion. With the special powers that he was endowed with, he healed the sick, protected the vulnerable and performed many other miracles. This belief flocks in a lot of pilgrims from all religions to this small religious town of Sai.
Places to Visit in Shirdi
You can travel to Mumbai from anywhere in the world and then book a reliable Mumbai to Shirdi taxi with a driver. Many beautiful temples and religious spots dot this holy town which will leave you spellbound. When you are in Shirdi, make sure to visit these spiritual spots:
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple:
Dedicated to Shri Sai Baba, Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is one of the must-visit places in Shirdi. The temple remains open to devotees from early morning to late night. The aura and charm of this ancient shrine will leave you mesmerized!
Aarti Timings:
Kakad Aarti: 4.30 AM to 5 AM
Mid-day Aarti: 12 Noon to 12.30 PM
Shej Aarti: 10.30 PM to 10.50 PM
Gurusthan
Gurusthan is decoded as the holy place where the guru was first seen. The seat is positioned under a neem tree with a portrait of Sai Baba along with Shivalinga and Nandi Bull.
Dwarkamai
Referred to as the heart of Shirdi, Dwarkamai is the place where Sai Baba spent most of his time. It was a dilapidated mosque which is now turned into a temple. Dwarkamai is the only temple that is inside a mosque! This place is exceptionally serene and tranquil and once you set your foot in this temple, all other things seem inconsequential! You have to be there to believe it.
Baba Chavadi
Located next to Dwarkamai, Chavadi is a must-visit place. It is believed that Sai Baba spent a lot of his time at the Chavadi. He along with his followers had embarked on a procession in a palki from this Chavadi. Even at present, the procession has become a ritual which the devotees carry out along with the idol of Sai Baba.
Other famous places in Shirdi are Sai Heritage Village, Khandoba Mandir, Abdul Baba Cottage, Hanuman Mandir and Shani Shingnapur. These fascinating places that add to Shirdi’s appeal will transcend you in a world full of peace
How to Reach Shirdi
Set at a distance of 300 kilometers from Mumbai and 184 kilometers from Pune, Shirdi is easily accessible from all over the world. You can choose to travel to Pune by flight or train and then book a licensed and top-rated cab from Pune to Shirdi.
Where to Stay
Since Shirdi tempts devotees all year long, it is advisable to book a hotel in advance. You can choose to stay in a Dharamshala or book a room in the Sai Baba Trust. There is everything from dormitories to budget hotels to luxury hotels. There is a lot of option available but make sure to book one beforehand.
Shirdi with its healing powers boasts of thousands of devotees that come to pay homage to the divine! Known as the land of Sai, Shirdi is a sight to behold. It is a liberating and uninhibited experience, it is crowded yet calm; all at the same time.
Immerse yourself in this magical town!
