A pilgrimage to Shirdi is an epitome of spirituality and harmony that will leave you in awe and in peace with yourself. Shirdi is the holy abode of the venerated saint, Sai Baba whose teachings have inspired millions of devotees from across the world to live a simple and truthful life. Shirdi is well connected with Pune and Mumbai by road and is a popular weekend destination. Large number of people prefer to travel by hiring Pune to Shirdi cabs as it is an affordable and comfortable option.
Sai Baba is considered to be one of India’s greatest saints and large number of devotees congregate at the Sai Baba Temple every day to pray and seek his blessings. Thursdays are considered to be most auspicious as it is believed that on this day your wishes are granted by him. Here are the important spots that should be visited on your trip to Shirdi.
The Samadhi Mandir: The body of the saint Sai Baba rests at this temple. There is a special room where all the objects used by Sai Baba have been displayed and preserved. The temple is built of white marble stones and has decorated railings. At a time the main assembly hall can accommodate up to 600 people. On the first floor there is a room where paintings on the life of Sai Baba are displayed. Aarti at the Samadhi Mandir is done four times in a day. On special occasions like Guru Purnima, Ram Navmi and Dussehra, the temple is opened throughout the might. A grand procession with Sai Baba’s photo is taken out from the temple every Thursday. The whole air is filled with spirituality and bliss during that time as devotees pray, sing and dance around that. The Samadhi temple is the main attraction of Shirdi.
The ChavadiMandir: During the time of Sai Baba this place was a government office and used to collect taxes. It was turned into a temple and considered pious because Sai Baba spent considerable time here. A large portrait of Sai Baba is placed inside the Chavadi Temple and it also has a bed on which he was given his last bath after he passed.
Dawrkamai: It is a mosque that is located close to the Samadhi Mandir’s entrance in Shirdi. Sai Baba stayed in this very place during his last years. The first level of the Mosque has Baba’s portrait and a stone on which he used to sit. It also houses his chariot and palkhi. There are numerous beautiful oil paintings that are huge attractions for the devotees and tourists.
The Dixit Wada Museum: It is a small museum situated in Shridi. It displays some rare black and white photographs of Sai Baba. His personal items like his long robe, his leather chappals and his smoking pipes are also on display. Other objects like Gramophone records, cooking utensils and bathing stone used by Baba are other things can be seen at the museum. The museum is open for public from 10 am to 6 pm.
Gurusthan: It is a holy place where Sai Baba first appeared under a neem tree as a 16 year old boy. Devotees believe that by burning incense sticks here, one will be relieved of all his ailments. There is a shrine in Gurusthan where a big portraiture of Baba is placed.
If you planning to travel from Mumbai to Shirdi by road, it is recommended to hire a Mumbai to Shirdi taxi for a safe and convenient journey.
