Sai Baba temple in Shirdi is the holy abode of the revered saint Sai Baba, who has lived and performed many miracles in the lives of Shirdi people. It is a holy shrine that attracts millions of Sai devotees from around the world. The Samadhi or tombstone of the holy saint is located in this temple and the sacred place reverberates with his positive vibrations, which you can feel once you enter the temple. Shirdi is a small town in Ahmed Nagar, Maharashtra that can be accessed from anywhere in India. The nearest railway station to Shirdi is Manmad, from where there are regular buses and taxis to Shirdi. The nearest airport is Nasik, 90 km away from Shirdi; one can reach Shirdi from Nasik by taxis.
According to the temple mythology, Sai Baba arrived at Shirdi when he was 16 years old. The real name and birth place of Baba are unknown. He arrived at Shirdi at the age of 16. He was called as Sai by a local priest named Mahalsapati. ‘Sai’ is a Persian title given to Sufi saints and ‘Baba’ denotes father, grandfather, etc. Thus Sai Baba means ‘holy father’ or saintly father’. He initially stayed under a neem tree in the Khandoba temple and disappeared after three years. He returned to Shirdi in 1858, when he was asked to take residence at a local mosque, later named as Dwarkamayi.
Shirdi Sai Baba temple is a 200 sq. m. complex, which comprises of Samadhi Mandir, Khandoba temple, Gurusthan, Dwarkamai, Chavdi, and Lendi Garden. Samadhi Mandir is the final resting place of Sai Baba and was built entirely of stone by his ardent devotee, Shri Gopalrao Butti of Nagpur. This holy spot houses the Samadhi of Sai Baba and a huge and beautiful white marble statue of Sai Baba in his famous sitting posture. There is a vast hall in front of the temple and can accommodate more than 600 devotees. There is also a separate hall for meditation and centers for books and Prasad.
Sai Baba has been and is being a spiritual guide, friend, Guru, and well-wisher who can perform miracles in the lives of those who believe him. His powers have cured diseases, solved problems, brought unity among people, and helped them lead a happy and blessed life. It is believed that if you surrender unto him and seek help, he comes to your rescue and lends a helping hand to come out of life’s toughest situations. You can ask your pressing questions to Sai Baba on Ask Sai Baba or Sai baba Prashnavali and pray to him. The answer you receive is sure to clear your mind and help solve your problems. Such are the miraculous powers and blessings of Sai Baba.
Anyone who enters this Holy Shrine at Shirdi will be guided by Sai to lead a happy and healthy life. His philosophy of ‘Allah Malik Ek’ which means ‘God is One’ is a proven truth and is reflected by the devotees of various religions visiting the temple. In the mosque Dwarkamayi, Sai Baba maintained a sacred fire called as ‘Dhuni’ from which he gave sacred ashes called ‘Udhi’ which was believed to have magical healing powers.
Rama Navami, the birth of Lord Rama is celebrated during the month of March or April with huge zest and passion. The festival is celebrated by both Hindus and Muslims. The flags of the mosque Dwarkamai are replaced on this day along with the sack of wheat.
Guru Purnima, the full Moon of the Gurus or teachers is celebrated on the Full Moon Day in the month of July with great reverence and devotion. The day is dedicated to Guru to honor him and seek his abundant blessings.
Vijayadasami is the day when Sai Baba left his mortal body to the heavenly abode. Hence, this day is also called as Shri Sai Punya Tithi. During this festival ‘Brahman Bhojan’ is arranged with Guru Dakshina (Donation to Guru). Devotees from all over India flock to Shirdi to pay their respects to their revered Guru, Shri Sai Baba.
