Shirdi, the home of the renowned saint Shri Satchidanand Sadguru Sainath Maharaj, sometimes referred to as “Saibaba,” is a well-liked stop on the Maharashtra pilgrimage circuit. People from all walks of life flock to Shirdi, which is only 83 kilometres from Ahmednagar, believing that the saint would grant their desires.
BELIEFS
Locals claim that a mystery “fakir,” or wanderer, who spent more than 60 years living in Shirdi and was revered by followers as Shirdi Sai Baba, arrived there when he was in his teens. Possessing a supernatural power, the “fakir” was an accomplished “yogi” who frequently showcased his abilities. Even now, devotees are drawn to Shirdi because of Sai Baba’s lofty values and modest lifestyle.
Saibaba first resided at what is now known as Gurusthan, on the outskirts of Shirdi, behind a neem tree. He later relocated to Lendi Baug and an abandoned mosque in Dwarkamai. All of these locations are now pilgrimage sites and are essential to see when visiting Shirdi. According to the locals, Sai Baba formerly preached the global religion of love and compassion and embodied every faith.
A QUIET AURA
Visitors may explore a 200 square metre temple complex in Shirdi that includes the Khandoba temple, Gurusthan, Dwarkamai, Chavdi, and Samadhi Mandir.
One of Sai Baba’s greatest devotees, Shri Gopalrao Butti of Nagpur, constructed the Samadhi Mandir, the ultimate resting place of Sai Baba. The statue of Saibaba and a massive “samadhi” are features of the stone-built Samadhi Mandir.
There is a sizable hall in front of the temple that has enough space for about 600 worshippers. Additionally, there is a place where visitors may locate book stores and “prasad” outlets to satisfy the aficionados. In addition, there is a dedicated meditation hall.
A Gurusthan, which literally translates as “place of the Guru,” is located to the right of the Samadhi Mandir. When Sai Baba visited Shirdi, he spent the most of his time in Gurusthan.
Sai Baba’s grave is located here, behind a neem tree. There is a tunnel under the neem tree, according to the locals, and it terminates right at Dwarkamai, where travellers may view an abandoned mosque that used to be Sai Baba’s residence.
Visitors can view a handful of Sai Baba’s belongings, including a stick, a begging bowl, a change of kafni, a few pieces of cloth, and chillim pipes, within Dwarkamai, to the left of Samadhi Mandir. Lendi Garden is included within the temple complex as well. Lendi is a vast garden with flower beds, water features, and tombs that is lighted by two lights that were kindled by Baba. According to the locals, Sai Baba used to go to Lendi Garden every day in order to hear the voice of nature.
Shirdi, on average, sees between 70,000 and 75,000 pilgrims per day. The Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust offers 2,500 rooms for travellers to stay in. The Shirdi’s communal kitchen serves meals to as many as 40,000 worshippers every day.
The best time to visit
According to the locals, Saibaba just urged followers to celebrate Guru Purnima. In addition, the temple celebrates Ramnavami, Shirdi Vijayadashmi, and Urus with great devotion. A Vyasa Puja is held on Guru Purnima in remembrance of Ved Vyasa, the author of the epic Mahabharata. A special puja is held at the temple on holidays like Ramnavami, Shirdi Vijayadashmi, and Urus. Grand processions are also arranged during these festivals, bringing the Rath and the palanquin. Shirdi is lighted by all-night bhajan and qawwali sessions from sunrise to dark. Regarding the festival celebration that happens at the temple, visitors can get in touch with the Sansthan Office.
Ways to reach
To go to Sainagar, Shirdi The closest train station is Shirdi. Trains to Shirdi are available from several parts of India, including Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, and so on. Additionally, there are state-run buses from adjacent cities such as Nashik (119 kilometres), Ahmednagar (83 kilometres), Manmad (87 kilometres), and Kopargaon (15 km). Travellers may simply take buses from the railway station to the main temple complex.
Arti Timings
- 4:30 AM: Chavadi, Dwarkamai, and Gurusthan open
- 5:00 AM: Bhupali, Abhishekam, and the temple open at Gurusthan
- 5:15 AM: Baba receives a naivedyam of butter and sugar in Samadhi Mandir; oil is donated to the lamps in Dwarkamai; Kakad (morning) Arati
- Bhajan at Saibaba Mandir at 5:40 AM
- 6:00 AM: At Samadhi Mandir, statues and Samadhi are washed (mangal snaan).
- Darshan starts at Samadhi Mandir at 7:00 a.m.
- 9:00 AM: Dwarkamai and Samadhi Mandir provide naivedyam.
- Satyanarayana Pooja is from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
- 11:30 AM: Dwarkamai’s Dhuni Pooja, which includes rice and ghee
- Naivedyam at Samadhi Mandir, Dwarkamai, and Gurusthan at 12:30 PM
- 4:00 PM: Samadhi Mandir’s Pothi (Devotional Study/Reading) Dhoop (evening) Arati at sunset
- 6:30 PM: Samadhi Mandir, Dwarkamai, and Gurusthan provide Naivedyam.
- 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.: Samadhi Mandir’s devotional songs and any further cultural events
- Chavadi and Gurusthan close at 9:00 p.m.
- Dwarkamai (the top section) shuts at 9:45 p.m.
- Shejarati – Shej (night) 10:30 PM After the Arati, a glass of water is placed there, a shawl is wrapped over the statue in the Samadhi Mandir, and a Rudraksha mala is placed around Baba’s neck.
- Samadhi Mandir shuts at 11:30 p.m.
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