SHIRDI

Sai Baba’s birthplace is Shirdi, which is situated 122 kilometers from Nasik in the Maharashtra district of Ahmednagar. Sai Baba is believed to have been born in Shirdi in 1858 and lived there for 60 years before finding salvation in 1918. Since Sai Baba consistently promoted the idea of peace and brotherhood among all people, he is often called as the “child of God.”

An average of 25,000 devotees travel to Shirdi village each day to see Shri Saibaba. Every day during the festival season, the Temple receives more than 100,000 visitors. The Temple’s facilities were updated in 1998–1999 and currently include Darshan Lane, Prasadalaya (Lunch and Dinner), Donation Counters, Prasad Counters, Canteen, Railway Reservation Counter, Book Stall, and other amenities. The Sansthan also provides lodging options.

Places to visit

Dwarkamai

Dwarkamai is one of Shirdi’s riches in the eyes of Sai Baba’s followers. The values of acceptance, tolerance, and welcome for all are still very much in vogue. Baba claimed that entering the mosque alone would bring blessings, and followers’ accounts support this. All religions and faiths were respected by Sai Baba, and everyone was allowed free entry to the mosque. Sai Baba’s view of the mosque, as a mother, is extremely interesting. He once informed a guest that this mosque is located in Dwarkamai. She instills confidence in people who walk up her steps. This mosque is really considerate. People that come here succeed in their goals!

Samadhi Mandir

A millionaire from Nagpur who was a dedicated follower of Sai baba owns and built the Samadhi Temple. He wanted to build an idol of Lord Murlidhar, and thus Sai baba declared himself as Lord Murlidhar.

Sai baba identified himself as Lord Murlidhar because the devotee wanted to install an idol of him.

The temple is exquisitely constructed from white marble and is surrounded by two enormous pillars by eye-catching embellishments.

They bring gifts for Baba at his Samadhi, such as flowers, garlands, sweets, or fruit. Some people may have personal items—such as a shawl, book, key to a new possession, etc.—that they want to offer at Baba’s feet and touch his grave in order to receive his blessing.

Gurusthanstrong>

Gurusthan means “the guru’s place.” It is also where, according to Baba, the grave of his own Guru is situated by the neem tree. Baba spent the majority of his time there when he first arrived in Shirdi. Hence, Gurusthan is among the most significant locations in Shirdi. According to an elderly woman, there is an underground tunnel or passage that leads to the location of Dwarkamai from underneath the NEEM tree.

Together with a Shivalingam and the Nandi bull directly in front of it, it also includes a shrine with a picture of Sai Baba.