SHIRDI, MAHARASHTRA – FIND INNER PEACE AND SPIRITUAL SOLACE IN THE LAND OF SAI BABA
Shirdi is a small town located in the Ahmednagar district of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is famous for being the home of the late 19th century spiritual leader, Sai Baba, who is revered by both Hindus and Muslims.
Sai Baba is believed to have arrived in Shirdi when he was around 16 years old, and he lived there until his death in 1918. He was known for his teachings of love, compassion, and equality, and he attracted followers from all over India and beyond.
Today, Shirdi is a popular pilgrimage destination, with millions of visitors coming to pay their respects to Sai Baba each year. The town is home to the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, which is the main attraction and the place where Sai Baba’s samadhi (tomb) is located. The temple is open to people of all faiths and is a place of peace and prayer.
Aside from the temple, there are also other places of interest in Shirdi, such as the Dwarkamai mosque, where Sai Baba is said to have spent a lot of his time, and the Chavadi, where he used to rest on alternate nights.
In recent years, Shirdi has also developed as a tourist destination beyond just a pilgrimage site, with the establishment of new hotels and restaurants, as well as other attractions such as the Sai Heritage Village and the Wet n Joy Water Park.
Lesser Known Facts
Here are some lesser-known facts about Shirdi:
- Sai Baba’s real name and birthplace are unknown, as he was found as a young boy sitting under a neem tree in Shirdi. He never revealed his origins or family background.
- Sai Baba was known for his miracles, such as materializing food and other objects out of thin air, healing the sick, and appearing in multiple places at the same time.
- Dwarkamai, the mosque where Sai Baba spent a lot of his time, was originally a dilapidated building that was used as a shelter for animals. Sai Baba transformed it into a place of worship and refuge for his devotees.
- Sai Baba was known to be an advocate of communal harmony, often using Hindu and Muslim terminology interchangeably and asking his followers to see all religions as one.
- The Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is one of the richest temples in India, with an annual income of over Rs. 350 crore (approx. $47 million).
- The temple attracts millions of visitors each year, with the highest footfall being during the festivals of Guru Purnima and Sai Baba’s death anniversary.
- The town of Shirdi has experienced significant development in recent years, with the establishment of a new airport and the expansion of tourism-related infrastructure.
- The Sai Heritage Village is a recreation of a traditional Indian village, with exhibits showcasing rural life and crafts from across India.
- The Wet n Joy Water Park is one of the largest water parks in Maharashtra, offering a range of water-based rides and attractions for visitors.
- Shirdi is located close to other popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra, such as Nashik, Aurangabad, and the Ajanta and Ellora caves.
Things to Do
Here are some things to do during your trip to Shirdi:
- Visit the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple: The temple is the main attraction in Shirdi and is visited by millions of people each year. It is believed that praying at the temple can bring blessings and peace of mind.
- Attend the aarti: The aarti (prayer ceremony) held at the temple is a must-see event for visitors. It is held multiple times a day and involves singing and dancing to devotional songs.
- Visit Dwarkamai mosque: This mosque was an important place for Sai Baba, and it has been preserved as it was during his time. Visitors can see the place where he used to sit, the sacred fire that has been burning continuously for over a century, and other artifacts related to his life.
- Take a tour of Sai Heritage Village: This is a cultural center that showcases the traditional way of life in rural India. It has exhibits related to farming, crafts, and other aspects of village life.
- Visit other religious and historical sites: There are several other temples and museums in Shirdi that are worth visiting, such as the Khandoba Temple, the Maruti Temple, and the Dixit Wada Museum.
- Shop for souvenirs: Shirdi is known for its handicrafts and religious items. Visitors can shop for souvenirs such as statues of Sai Baba, prayer beads, and other religious articles.
- Attend a meditation or yoga session: Several meditation and yoga centers in Shirdi offer classes and sessions for visitors who want to practice mindfulness and relaxation.
- Explore nearby attractions: Shirdi is located close to other popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra, such as Nashik, Aurangabad, and the Ajanta and Ellora caves. Visitors can plan day trips to these places to explore more of the region.
Top Attractions and Must Visit Nearby Places
Here are the top attractions and must-visit nearby places in Shirdi:
- Shirdi Sai Baba Temple: This is the main attraction in Shirdi, visited by millions of people each year.
- Dwarkamai: This is a mosque where Sai Baba spent a significant amount of time, and it has been preserved as it was during his time.
- Samadhi Mandir: This temple houses Sai Baba’s tomb and is an important pilgrimage site for his followers.
- Sai Heritage Village: This cultural center showcases the traditional way of life in rural India.
- Khandoba Temple: This is another temple in Shirdi dedicated to the deity Khandoba.
- Shani Shingnapur: This is a village located about 70 km from Shirdi that is known for its temple dedicated to the deity Shani.
- Nashik: This city is located about 90 km from Shirdi and is known for its vineyards, temples, and historical sites.
- Aurangabad: This city is located about 120 km from Shirdi and is known for its UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Ajanta and Ellora caves.
- Triambakeshwar: This is a town located about 120 km from Shirdi and is known for its temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the source of the Godavari River.
- Shirdi Water Park: This is a popular water park located in Shirdi, which is a great place for families and children to have fun and cool off on hot days.
How to Reach
Shirdi is well-connected by road, rail, and air. Here’s how to reach Shirdi:
- By air: The nearest airport to Shirdi is the Aurangabad Airport, which is located around 130 km away. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad.
- By train: The Shirdi railway station is well-connected to major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Some of the popular trains that operate to Shirdi are the Sainagar Shirdi Express, Shatabdi Express, and the Maharashtra Express.
- By road: Shirdi is well-connected by road to major cities in Maharashtra and other neighboring states. The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) operates regular buses to Shirdi from cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad, and Ahmednagar. Private taxis and cars can also be hired to reach Shirdi.
- By private vehicle: Shirdi is located on the Mumbai-Aurangabad highway and can be easily reached by car or bike. The distance from Mumbai to Shirdi is around 240 km, while the distance from Pune to Shirdi is around 185 km.
Once you reach Shirdi, you can easily explore the town on foot or by hiring a taxi or an auto-rickshaw.
