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Globally known as the Land of Sai Baba, Shirdi is a temple town that lies in the Nashik district of Maharashtra. Endowed with serenity and spirituality in its atmosphere, it is a remarkable attraction that is visited by thousands of wayfarers annually. People, especially the ardent followers of Sai Baba never forget to pay a visit to Shirdi once in the lifetime, however, it is said that no one can arrive until Baba calls them himself.
As you know, the prime destination that lures people is none other than Sai Baba Temple that is counted amid the richest shrines in India. Devotees donate precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum, a huge sum of money, and much more to show their affection as well as devotion towards Sai Baba. Apart from this temple, there are numerous other attractions that wait for your arrival. In this quick guide, we have compiled some must-visit destinations for you in Shirdi. Heres a look.
We dont think that Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Temple needs a formal introduction. It is the most visited and a renowned shrine in Shirdi. It is dedicated to Sai Baba, the presiding deity in Shirdi, and has astounding interiors that are carved in a labyrinthine manner. This pious shrine lures devotees from all over the country throng to Shirdi. Throughout the year, you can hundreds of people visiting this pilgrimage site.
Gurusthan is another major site of attraction that shouldnt be missed. Located 14 km away from the main town of Shirdi in Kopargaon, Gurusthan is said to the place where Sai Baba first appeared as a 16-year-old boy that was meditating under the Neem Tree that exists there till date. A small shrine is built there that houses a portrait of Sai Baba. According to a legend, if devotees light incense sticks at Gurusthan, their all ailments are cured by the blessings of Sai Baba.
Samadhi Mandir is a notable shrine in Shirdi. This humongous temple is devoted to Sai Baba and was built by a multimillionaire, Gopal Rao. The intriguing structure of Samadhi Mandir stands exactly in that place that was previously tended as a garden by the lord himself. Adorned with tranquility and a spiritual ambiance, this place is also visited extensively. Try knowing the compelling tale behind the construction of this temple by the local people. It would be fun.
Affectionately known as the Home of God on earth, Dwarkamai is a treasure in Shirdi. An unadorned mosque, as per the instructions of Sai Baba about simplicity, is a renowned and a must-visit place in Shirdi. A major part of Sai Babas life was spent in Dwarkamai Mosque where each individual was welcome. Presently, the entry to the mosque is refurbished but the whole structure stands in that very condition when Baba came and left it. Each Thursday, it is beautifully festooned and alms are distributed among the needy.
Chavadi literally, translates into village office. When Sai Baba arrived at Shirdi, he selected Chavadi as a place for resting at night whenever he stepped out for a stroll to collect alms. On alternate days, he usually came to Chavadi for sleeping and when his devotees came to know about this, they all began performing aarti during night. By observing this, the concept of Sej (evening aarti) came into existence. Moreover, Sai Baba breathed his last at Chavadi and it is a major temple in Shirdi.
Jangli Maharaj Ashram is an ashram that is located near the Shirdi Highway. Run and managed by Guru Omdev, this ashram is a place to gain the mental peace. It is a serene place that is surrounded by trees and greenery in profusion. Inside the ashram premises, a co-educational school is also run by the authorities of the ashram. At Jangli Maharaj Ashram, various classes related to yoga and meditation are carried for all students. Anugraha is a major attraction of this ashram that is held on the monthly basis.
As per its name suggests, Abdul Baba Cottage is a small building that houses some riveting things. This cottage is named after Abdul Miyan, the ardent follower of Sai Baba. He was very close to Sai Baba and the lord loved his company. When youll visit this cottage, you can see the rarest pictures of Abdul Miyan with Sai Baba and some hand-written documents by Sai Baba. Many memoirs are well-preserved at Abdul Baba Cottage, dont forget to pay a flying visit there.
Ask about Khandoba Mandir and you get the right directions even from a kid. Located 5 km away from Shirdi, Khandoba Temple is a popular shrine that holds an equal importance as Sai Baba Temple. This beguiling shrine is dedicated to a local deity Khandoba who is regarded as a manifestation of the Lord of lords Shiva. His idol is depicted as a man with mustaches who is seated with his 2 wives on both sides. The local people visit this shrine daily and pay their homage to Khandoba.
Finally, its time to visit a museum. Dixit Wada Museum is a prominent attraction located in Shirdi. It is located in the premises of Sai Baba Sansthan Trust and showcases some spectacular things and rare photographs of Sai Baba and his followers. The different items like footwear and chillum used by Sai Baba, a cauldron for cooking, the bowl, and his kafni are displayed at Dixit Wada Museum. This museum will surely astonish you. Do visit it once.
How about visiting a heritage village in Shirdi? Lets take a small trip to Sai Heritage Village. According to its name, it is the exquisite place that reflects the time of Sai Baba in the village where he arrived. Incidents like miracles done by him are portrayed effectively in Sai Heritage Village. Visiting this place, especially with kids, is a great way to tell them the amazing tales of Sai Baba.
Upasani Maharaj was another ardent disciple of Sai Baba. He was an Ayurvedic doctor but turned into a saint after meeting Sai Baba. His ashram was the place that was always flooded with the ill people and it is said that as per the orders of Sai Baba in his dreams, he cured the ill just by giving them vibhuti. Today, this ashram is adorned with lush green surroundings and houses his grave that is visited by his followers.
Lendi Baug is a beauteous garden located in Shirdi. This garden used to be the place where Sai Baba used to spend a lot of time amid nature and by watering plants and feeding the birds. The ambiance of Lendi Baug is blessed with the serenity that makes it a frequented place in Shirdi. The prime attraction of this destination is the Neem Tree that is said to be blessed by Sai Baba. Lendi Baug is an apt place for morning and evening walks.
It is fun time now because were heading towards Wet N Joy Water Park. If you thought that Shirdi is all about Sai Baba then you werent right. Wet N Joy Water Park is a renowned recreational spot and a major tourist attraction in Shirdi. It is a water theme park that will wash away your stress and will bring back that lost enthusiasm in your senses. By paying a minimal charge, an individual can enjoy various activities like the rain dance and other water rides.
This isnt about the car manufacturing company. Maruti Mandir is a famous pilgrimage site that is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the ardent devotee of Shri Rama. This temple is located between Chavadi and Dwarakamai. People say that whenever Sai Baba passed through this temple, he used to stop and wave his hands doing different gestures. During Rama Navmi and Hanuman Jayanti, this temple is ornamented exquisitely.
The fact might surprise many but it is true that Tatya Kote was Sai Babas nephew. He shared a close relationship with Sai Baba. Shri Tatya Kote Samadhi is his grave built near the beautiful and calm location of Lendi Baug. His grave is revered as a sacred site and is also visited after visiting the main shrine of Sai Baba.
In true senses, the pious land of Shirdi is simply tantalizing. It is blessed with an amazing atmosphere that is ethereal and soul soothing. After reading about the above-listed destinations, you have gathered a rough idea of the places that you shouldnt miss. So, now you should gear up for Shirdi and update your new WhatsApp status as Shirdi Diaries.
