Shirdi is a charming little town located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India, and is one of the most honored religious spots in India. Shirdi is famous for the eminent sage Sai Baba, whose teaching cuts across all religions and beliefs, pilgrims from all faiths collect to get a sight of the Samadhi Idol. The entire town is dotted with a number of pilgrim spots. Some of the major tourist attractions in Shirdi include.
Khandoba Mandir: The Mandir is located near Shirsainath Hospital. It is said that Shri Sai baba stepped here in Shirdi at the foot of the banyan tree near Khandoba Temple to attend a marriage possession. The then Priest Mhalsapati greeted him by calling "Ya Sai". The temple is commemorated with a small shrine and Padukas (footwear) of Saibaba lay at its base
Gurusthan Mandir: Gurusthan is known as a place of guru. This place has its significance as it is said that Sai Baba spent most of his time here when he came to Shirdi. Also this place is supposed to be Baba`s Gurusthan. There is a portrait of baba on an elevated platform. A “Shivlinga” and Nandi are just in front of the portrait. The famous Margosa (Neem) tree is here. Devotees believe that burning incense here on Thursday & Friday cures their ailments and fulfills their wishes.
Sai Baba`s Samadhi Mandir: It is the place where Sacred Body of Baba is resting in Samadhi. The articles handled by Baba are preserved & displayed here in a special showroom. The Samadhi Mandir has an idol of Baba made up of Italian marble sitting relaxed on his throne that is made up of 90 kgs of gold. Above the statue is an open, silver umbrella. The first floor of the temple has pictures depicting the life of the saint. The temple opens at 5 AM with morning prayers and closes down at 10 PM with night prayers. Only on three occasions, the temple is kept open overnight i.e. on Gurupurnima, Dussera, and Ramnavami. Every Thursday and on each festival, a Palakhi with Baba`s photo is taken out of the temple.
Dwarkamai (Masjid): Dwarkamai is a mosque where Sai Baba lived till his death. The Shila (Stone) on which Baba used to sit is located nearby. Also Sacred Fire (Dhuni) lit by Baba is ever burning here. Baba used to give Sacred Udi (Ash) to the devotees to solve their problems in life. Udi distributed to the devotees now is only from this Dhuni. The main attraction of the site is the oil paintings of the Sai, ko Lamba, water pot and the grinding stone associated with Sai Baba.
Chavadi Mandir: Chavadi means the village office. On every alternate day, Baba used to halt & sleep here. Now also on every Thursday Palakhi procession of Baba`s Photo, Holy Padukas & Satka is taken to this place between 9.15 p.m. & 10.00 p.m. The Chavadi is divided into two parts. One part of the Chavadi has a large portrait of Baba along with a wooden bed and a white chair belonging to him.
Lendi Baug: At some distance from Gurusthan, there is the Lendi Baug. This garden was made and watered daily by Baba himself. Baba used to come here every morning and afternoon and take rest under a Neem tree. Baba dug a pit under the Neem tree and kept a deep (a lighting object) lit in that pit. In memory of this place, Nanda Deep has been built in marble stone that burns constantly. On one side of the deepgriha is a pipal tree and on the other side is a Neem tree. There is also Datta Mandir in this garden and the Samadhi of the horse that belonged to baba. There is also a well here called as `Baba`s Shivdi`.
Maruti Mandir: It is situated at a few minute's distances from the cottage of Abdulbaba. Sai Baba had a special devotion to 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.
Samadhi of Abdulbaba: Abdulbaba was the man who used to read the Quran to Sai Baba. The people of the town and those of Shirdi have sincere devotion towards Abdulbaba. His Samadhi is situated inside the premises of Shri Sai Baba Temple. The cottage where he used to live is still there and contains some photos and other items handled by him and Sai Baba.
Shri Tatya Kote Samadhi: Sai Baba referred Bayjabai as his mother. Tatya Kote was the son of Bayjabai. He was considered amongst the dedicated followers of Baba and he served baba till he left his mortal body. Tatya expired in the year 1945 and later, his Samadhi was built near Lendi Baug.
Shri Ganesh Temple, Shani Temple, and Mahadev Temple: The three temples of Lord Ganesh, Shani Dev, and Shri Mahadev are also definitely worth having a look at
Kiomoi Must Dos
Light Lamps: It is said that Sai Baba loved to light lamps so one should light lamps when he visits the holy town to give homage to Baba. You can buy the lamps from Alady near Dwarkamai. Light the lamps at Nanada Deep.
Be there on Thursday: Every Thursday is celebrated as a festival. So one should plan their trip accordingly. Also on Thursdays, a special Abhishekam of Baba is done in wee morning hours. Plan your trip on Thursday.
Attend Aartis: There are four aartis conducted in a day so if possible then one should attend all the four aartis. Make sure you attend all the four.
Take a stroll: Take a stroll through the narrow lanes of the town where you can find several small stalls selling flowers, sweets, jewels and all other items that devotees offer to Baba.
Visit Shani Shingnapur: The homage paid to Baba is not said to be accepted unless a visit is made to Shani Shingnapur. Do visit.
Get sacred Udi: One must get the sacred Udi ( Bibhuti) that can be obtained from the temple itself for free. Don’t forget to get it.
