Shirdi can be best described as God’s own abode. The spiritual presence in this little town in Maharashtra is so omnipresent that one can feel it in the air. Shirdi is home to one of the most revered saint- Sai Baba. The humble teachings and sermons of Sai Baba are what inspire millions of pilgrims to travel all the way to Shirdi in sheer devotion. The dedication of the devotees is so awe-inspiring that it transcends all levels of spiritual senses.
The town of Shirdi is located near Nashik, in Maharashtra and is completely centered around the Sai Baba temple complex. The temple is most crowded during the major festivals and on Thursdays ( Thursday is known to be an auspicious day). The temple attracts a huge crowd of people, but the radiant deity and the atmosphere that surrounds the temple is worth the wait. Even when people stand in long queues to just catch one glimpse of the idol, the atmosphere is reverberating. The devotees and other visitors keep chanting hymns as they wait, and the rhythmic chants are heart touching.
The Temple and Its Surroundings
The temple is built beautifully yet humbly. The decorations are not of royal stature but yet the humble abode emanates a sense of soulful devotion. The way to the main idol is a long one, because of the crowds that flock the temple. There are, however, clean benches and railing at regular intervals for anyone who gets tired of standing for long.
Samadhi Mandir (Main Temple)
Credit: Condé Nast Traveller India
The main temple has an intricately carved idol of Shirdi Sai Baba. It is here that most people crowd to get just one glimpse of it. The marble idol is so expertly made, that it looks as Sai Baba itself has descended and blessed the surroundings.
The final stage to reach the idol is divided into four queues. One must be wary of which queue they are in. The right and the left queues do not lead right up front to the idol. They give a side view. Anyone who wants to bow and touch the idol should opt for the middle two queues.
Gurusthan
The seat of the teacher or Gurusthan is dedicated to the first time Sai Baba came out and made a public appearance. He was only 16 at that time. The seat is located near a big Neem tree along with a portrait of Sai Baba. There are a Shivalinga and a Nandi Bull beside the portrait. Many devotees believe that Sai Baba was first seen on this very spot.
Near to the Gurusthan are three small temples dedicated to Lord Ganesh, Shiva, and Shani.
Dwarkamai
This place is often referred to as the heart and soul of Shirdi. It is believed that Sai Baba spent most of his life here and even breathed his last breath at this very site. Dwarkamai was a ruined mosque which has now been converted into a temple. This is the only temple which is inside a mosque. The effervescent Dhuni (smoke) that constantly comes from burnt coals lit inside the structure, it truly relaxing. It fills up the nostrils and makes one feel the blessings of God.
Lendi Baug
This is a lovely and refreshing garden wherein Sai Baba used to spend his leisure time in watering the plants. The garden is beautiful and picturesque. This spot is perfect to just lay on the green cool grass and rest for some time, or just stare at the marvellous temple structure for hours and hours.
Chavadi
Credit: Holy Shirdi – Sai Baba
This is a small area wherein Sai Baba used to spend a lot of nights. The place is situated right next to the Dwarkamai, and from here Sai Baba along with his followers had embarked on a procession in a palki. It is a highly revered site. The procession has now become a ritual, and every Thursday, the idol of Shirdi Sai Baba is put inside a palki and the procession continues.
Pranayam Hall
This serene little hall gives everyone a chance to get in touch with their subconscious. It is open to anybody who would be interested in taking the pranayama of Shirdi Sai Satcharitra. The Satcharitra is available in various Indian languages. The experience is truly humbling and minds opening.
Dixit Wada Museum
This museum has rare collections of every artifact that Sai Baba once used. One can find his stick, his bed, his glass etc. right next to some lovely unheard stories of the Shirdi Sai Baba. The museum also offers some rare photographs which help one to understand the greatness of Sai Baba in a more enchanting way.
Tickets
Shirdi is extremely crowded on most of the days. There are few online portals that let one book tickets online. There are two different kinds of tickets depending on what one wants to do.
Aarti Ticket – The Aarti takes place 4 times a day. The tickets start from 600 per person for this
Darshan Aarti Ticket – This involves the simple viewing of the idol. This starts at 200 rupees per person.
Important Tips
- Cellphones are not allowed. One must keep their cellphones in their hotel rooms.
- There are four kinds of Aarti according to the time of the day- Kaakad ( Early Morning), Madhyan (Noon), Dhoop (Evening) and Shej (Night)
- The best time to visit Sai Baba temple is early morning to avoid crowds.
- There is a nice restaurant in the complex. One can easily have food.
- After the Darshan, at the exit Prasad is given out. One cannot ask for more.
- Shirdi as a town in whole is a veg town. Non-veg is seldom served.
- Buying passes online is always better than waiting in long queues at the temple complex.
- The Darshan gates open from 7 am and close at 10 pm.
- One must be wary of given donations in cash to strangers. Many a time they are cons who extort money on the name of donation.
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