Sai Temple Shirdi, Maharashtra
The Shirdi Sai Baba Dham is one of among the holiest pilgrimage centers in western India. Shirdi is famously known as the home of the late 19th century saint Sri Sai Baba. The Sai temple in Shirdi is the home of the great and mystic Sai Baba, a religious and much reverential site located in close proximity to the Indian city of Nashik. Exactly located in the state of Maharashtra in the district of Ahmednagar, Shirdi does hold a place of great importance and significance for the devotees of Sai Baba. The exact location of the place is about 270 km from the prime city of Mumbai. It is also popularly known as the land of Sai. His full name was Shri Satchidanand Sadguru Sainath Maharaj. This small town has many religious spots with many a religious activity going on which are definitely going to have a serene and tranquil effect on your soul. This place is just both literally and figuratively a true embodiment of spirituality and it can easily be felt by anyone visiting this place. Some of the many religious places out there at Shirdi are Samadhi Mandir, Chavadi, Shani Shignapur, Dwarkamai Masjid, etc.
As per the locals belief, a fakir (the Saint) all on a sudden one day made his appearance during his teens and lived there for over six decades. He was gifted with magical powers and a great sense and judgement of solving problems for the poor. He was a yogi in the true sense of the term. He used to exhibit his magical powers on many an occasion. It was his owing to his sheer non-attachment tendencies and the magical powers that he was blessed with that he soon started to draw the masses towards him.
Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple Complex:
1. Samadhi Mandir : The main Temple and Samadhi of Sai Baba is built with white marble stones. A railing is built in marble around the Samadhi and is full of ornamental decorations. In front of the Samadhi are two silver pillars full of decorative designs. Just behind the Samadhi of Sai Baba, wonderful idol made by Italian marble, shows him seated on a throne.
2. Dwarkamai - Just situated on the right side of the entrance of Temple.
3. Gurusthan - Sai Baba was first spotted seated under the Neem tree and known as Gurusthan.
4. Lendi Baug - Made and watered daily by Baba himself..
Timings
Sai Temple open at 04:00 AM to 11:00 PM, Every Thursday Baba palki procession starts at 09:15 PM from Samadhi Mandir.
Accessibility
Ahmednagar to Shridi is 86 kms, Nashik to Shirdi is 90 kms, Pune to Shridi is 186 kms Mumbai to Shirdi is 270 kms. State transport buses & private buses scheduled regularly to Shirdi. Nearest railway station is Kopargaon is 15 kms from the Manmad-Daund, section of the Central Railway. Aurangabad Airport about 150 kms, Pune Airport about 215 kms and Mumbai Airport about 282 kms.
Accommodation
There are couples of places to stay in Shirdi, you will find Shridi Sansthan Dharamsala's (Excellent facility with Nominal charges - Devotees need to book room prior 1-2 month before make a visit), affordable guesthouses and budget hotels also good option.
Best Time to Visit
Shirdi is comfortable throughout the year.