Sai Shirdi
( Maharashtra )
Introduction
Shirdi, located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, is one of the most visited spiritual destinations in India and the divine home of Sai Baba, the saint who taught love, compassion, and unity beyond religion and caste. Millions of devotees visit Shirdi every year to seek blessings, peace, and healing.
The sacred Shirdi Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir, where the saint took Mahasamadhi in 1918, radiates serene energy day and night. From his humble Dwarkamai mosque to the peaceful Gurusthan and the soulful Kakad Aarti, the town offers a deeply transformative spiritual experience.
Shirdi is simple yet powerful — a place where prayers feel heard, hearts feel lighter, and faith feels renewed.
Quick Info Box
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Shirdi, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra |
| Temple Timings | 4 AM – 11 PM |
| Best Time to Visit | October – March |
| Ideal Duration | 1–2 Days |
| Famous For | Sai Baba Temple, Dwarkamai, Prasadalaya, Aartis |
| Nearest Airport | Shirdi Airport (15 km) |
| Nearest Railway Station | Sainagar Shirdi |
| Languages | Marathi, Hindi, English |
| Entry Fee | Free (Paid Darshan options available) |
| Dress Code | Decent traditional/modest wear |
| Photography | Not allowed inside Samadhi Mandir |
Temple Overview
Shirdi is a peaceful spiritual town centered around the teachings of Sai Baba, who believed in “Sabka Malik Ek” — One God for All. His life was filled with miracles, compassion, healing, and messages of selfless love.
The town revolves around major sacred sites such as Samadhi Mandir, Dwarkamai, Chavadi, Gurusthan, and Lendi Baug — each holding deep significance from Sai Baba’s life.
Daily aartis, meditation halls, prasadalaya, and pilgrimage facilities make the experience organized and comfortable for devotees.
Beyond the temple, visitors explore nearby spiritual attractions, markets, small eateries, and calm corners that reflect Shirdi’s simple divine essence.
Top 11 Attractions in Sai Shirdi
1. Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir
Famous For: Final resting place of Sai Baba
Timings: 4 AM – 11 PM
Expanded Description:
This is the holiest site in Shirdi where Sai Baba’s physical form was buried. Devotees participate in various Aartis including Kakad Aarti (early morning) and Shej Aarti (night). Beautiful marble Samadhi and Baba’s idol make this a deeply moving experience.
Tips:
• Book online Darshan to avoid long queues.
2. Dwarkamai
Famous For: Mosque where Baba spent most of his life
Timings: 5:30 AM – 9:45 PM
Expanded Description:
Dwarkamai houses Baba’s sacred dhuni (ever-burning fire), grinding stone, and charred bricks. This is where he healed devotees and performed miracles.
Tips:
• Sit quietly for a few minutes — very powerful vibrations.
3. Chavadi
Famous For: Place where Baba slept every alternate night
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Expanded Description:
Chavadi hosts the famous Palkhi Procession every Thursday, recreating Baba’s traditional walk.
Tips:
• Visit on Thursday to experience the Palkhi ritual.
4. Gurusthan
Famous For: Spot where Baba first appeared as a young fakir
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Expanded Description:
A neem tree, believed to have healing powers, stands here.
Tips:
• Devotees take neem leaves as prasad.
5. Lendi Baug
Famous For: Garden where Baba meditated daily
Timings: 5 AM – 8 PM
Expanded Description:
Beautiful garden with Nanda Deep — a continuously burning lamp lit by Baba.
Tips:
• Great place to walk, meditate & connect spiritually.
6. Khandoba Temple
Famous For: Temple where Baba was first welcomed to Shirdi
Timings: 5 AM – 10 PM
Expanded Description:
Historic temple dedicated to Lord Khandoba. The priest Mhalsapati first greeted Baba here saying, “Aao Sai.”
Tips:
• Short but meaningful visit.
7. Sai Heritage Village & Theme Park
Famous For: Life-size scenes depicting Baba’s life
Timings: 9 AM – 11 PM
Expanded Description:
A family-friendly attraction showcasing modeled scenes of Sai Baba’s miracles and activities.
Tips:
• Great for kids & photography.
8. Wet N Joy Water Park
Famous For: Fun water rides & adventure
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Expanded Description:
Offers a refreshing break for families visiting Shirdi.
Tips:
• Good for a half-day outing.
9. Sai Prasadalaya
Famous For: Affordable community meals
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
Expanded Description:
Serves thousands of devotees daily with clean, fresh, satvik food at minimal cost.
Tips:
• Try the thali — simple and soulful.
10. Shopping at Shirdi Markets
Famous For: Sai Baba idols, books, souvenirs
Timings: 9 AM – 11 PM
Expanded Description:
Shops around the temple offer prayer items, shawls, keychains & home decor.
Tips:
• Bargaining is common.
11. Shani Shingnapur (Near Shirdi)
Famous For: Temple with no doors in houses
Timings: 24 Hours
Expanded Description:
Dedicated to Lord Shani, located about 70 km from Shirdi. Known for its unique tradition of no-lock homes.
Tips:
• Combine with a half-day trip.
Best Cafés & Local Eateries
1. Prasadalaya
Pure satvik meals at very low cost.
2. Rajdhani Restaurant
North Indian and Gujarati thalis.
3. Woodlands Restaurant
Popular for South Indian dishes.
How to Reach
3-Day Itinerary
Day 1
• Kakad Aarti (optional)
• Samadhi Mandir Darshan
• Dwarkamai
• Chavadi
• Gurusthan
Day 2
• Sai Heritage Village
• Wet N Joy (optional)
• Visit Shani Shingnapur
• Return to Shirdi
Day 3
• Lendi Baug
• Evening temple visit or shopping
Budget Breakdown (Approx.)
| Category | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 600–2500/night |
| Food | 200–600/day |
| Local Transport | 200–800 |
| Special Darshan | ₹200 – ₹600 |
| Shingnapur Trip | ₹300–800 |
| Misc | ₹200–500 |
Hidden Gems of Shirdi
1. Neem Tree at Gurusthan
Believed to have medicinal & spiritual properties.
2. Sai Baba’s Original Dwarkamai
Less crowded and holds deep energy.
3. Palkhi Route Trail
Walk the path Baba took in his last years.