Shirdi

A small village in Ahmednagar district, Shirdi has become famous all over India on account of its association with the renowned Saint Sri Sai Baba. Pilgrims belonging to all faiths, throng here all the year around.
Area: 1.3 Sq. km.

Best Season: Throughout the year.

STD CODE: 02423

Reaching Shirdi: The nearest airport is Aurangabad (144 Km/90 mile) which is connected by Indian Airlines and private airlines with other cities / towns. The convinent railheads are Nasik (123 Km/76 mile) and Manmad (60 Km/37 mile). Shirdi is well connected by Road with Mumbai via Nasik-Sinnar and Manmad. You can get the taxis from Dadar-Mumbai (Journey Time-7 hours) up to Shirdi or you can get the Luxury Coach for Shirdi or take a train up to Nasik and take a taxi for Shirdi.

ROAD DISTANCES:
Shirdi-Mumbai 302 Km 187 mile
Shirdi-Aurangabad 144 Km 90 mile
Shirdi-Manmad 60 Km 37 mile
Shirdi-Pune 205 Km 127 mile
Shirdi-Nashik 123 Km 76 mile

IN AND AROUND SHIRDI TEMPLE:
Samadhi Mandir:
The Mandir is built with stones and Sri Sai Baba's Samadhi 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 is Sri Sai Baba's marvelous statue made of Italian marble, which shows him seated on a throne.The routine of the temple starts at 5 o'clock in the morning with Bhupali, a morning song, and closes at 10 o'clock in the night after Sej Aarti is sung. Only on three occasions the temple is kept open overnight. i.e. On Gurupoornima, Dussera, and Ramnavmi. Every Thursday and on each festival, a palki with Sri Sai Baba's photo is taken out from the temple.

Dwarkamai:
Sri Sai Baba came to Shirdi with a marriage procession. He stayed at Dwarkamai till very end of his life. Dwarkamai is situated on the right side of the entrance of Samadhi Mandir. Here he solved problems of the people, cured their sickness and worries. Before Sri Sai Baba's arrival in Shirdi, Dwarkamai was an old mosque in a dilapidated condition. Sri Sai Baba turned it into Dwarkamai and proved that God is one.

Gurusthan:
Sri Sai Baba first came to Shirdi in the form of Bal Yogi - a child ascetic. He was first spotted seated under a Neem tree. This place came to be known as Gurusthan. The renovation of Gurusthan was made on 30th September 1941. The present temple was built after this period. There is a small shrine in Gurusthan. On an elevated platform of this shrine a big portrait of Sri Sai Baba is placed. On the side is a marble statue of Sri Sai Baba. In front of the portrait is a Shivling and the Nandi. Photos of twelve Jyotirlingas are kept in the temple. The branches of the Neem tree have come out through the roof of the temple.

At a short distance lies Sri Sai Baba's chawdi. Sri Sai Baba used to sleep here every alternate day. The Chawdi is divided into two parts. One part of the Chawdi has a large portrait of Sri Sai Baba along with a wooden bed and a white belonging to him.

Lendi Baug:
At some distance from Gurustahan there is a Lendi Baug. This Baug was made and watered daily by Sri Sai Baba himself. It got its name a Nalla (a drain), which used to previously flow there. Sri Sai Baba used to come here every morning and afternoon and take rest under a Neem Tree.

Khandoba Mandir:
This temple is situated on the main road. In front of this temple Sri Sai Baba was welcomed by Bhagat Mahalsapti, of this temple, Saying "Aao Sai", when Sri Sai Baba stepped in Shirdi. In this temple there are icons of Khandoba, and Mahalsa.

Daily Programmes:
Kakad Aarti 5.15 a.m.
Holy Bath of Sri Sai Baba 6.00 a.m.
Darshan Begins 7.00 a.m.
Satyanarayan Pooja 9.00 a.m.
Abhishek 9.00 a.m.
Noon Aarti 12.00 noon
Pravachan or Puja 4.00 p.m.
Dhoop Aarti Sunset
Bhajan, Keertan 9.00 p.m.
Sej Aarti 10.00 p.m.

Facilities and Services at Shirdi for Tourists:

Reception centers at the S.T. Bus stand.
Medical facilities at well equipped Sainath Hospital run by the Shirdi Sansthan.
Accommodation of the Sai Baba Sansthan-Bhakti Niwas.