Here's Everything You Need to Know About Shirdi

An epitome of simplicity and harmony, a spiritual journey that will leave you in awe and a place to feel liberated, Shirdi is the abode of the most revered saint, Sai Baba. The teachings of Sai Baba inspire millions of devotees from across the world to visit Shirdi.

A small town near Nasik, Maharashtra, India, Shirdi is centred around the Sai Baba Temple complex (which has four main gates). The pilgrim town is most crowded at year end and on major festivals, and is well connected to Pune, Aurangabad and Mumbai by road. 

Things to Do in Shirdi

Visit the Main Sai Baba Temple Complex
The complex includes all places of spiritual importance: the Samadhi Mandir (when the main idol and the samadhi or burial site of Sai Baba is), Gurusthan (where Sai Baba was spotted first), Samadhis of villagers of that time, a museum where Baba’s belongings are displayed, and donation, parsaad rooms etc. All these places are marked with blackboards where their significance is written in English, Hindi and Marathi for devotees to learn about Baba’s life. 

Temple’s daily schedule, directions of temples and other important details are also mentioned at various places in the complex on prominent boards. 

The temple opens at 4 am for the morning aarti called Kakad aarti) and the doors are closed at 10:45 pm (post the night-time aarti called the Shejaarti).

Visit Dwarkamai and Chwadi: Located right behind the Samadhi Mandir, are two places of spiritual importance related to Sai Baba’s life. One is Dwarkamaii—known to be a mosque—where Sai Baba spent most of his life. This is where the pious fire is lit from which comes the ash powder called Vibhuti, which the followers believe to be very powerful in treating their wounds, illnesses etc. The other one is Chawdi, where also Baba spent a lot of time, and it is located right beside the Dwarkamai. 

Make a day trip to Shingnapur
A small village in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, Shingnapur houses the famous Shani Mandir. It is also known as the lockless village, as most people don’t lock their houses or shops because they believe Lord Shani is guarding the same. Another belief is that whoever tries to steal anything will face the wrath of the deity.

Fact File

Approximate budget: Rs. 5,000 per person (includes hotel stay and meals)

Traveller Type: Family

How to reach Shirdi:

• Distance from Aurangabad Airport: 114 km (roughly 3 hours)
• Distance from Pune Airport: 188 km (roughly 5.5 hours)
• Distance from Mumbai Airport: 242 km (roughly 7 to 8 hours)

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