Shirdi -Tourism

Shirdi is hometown of Shri Sadguru Sainath Maharaj popularly known as Shri Sai Baba. It is located in Rahata Taluka of Ahmednagar District in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is situated on the Ahmednagar - Manmad State Highway No.10 (a very busy route), approximately 83 km from Ahmednagar and 15 km from Kopargaon.

Sai Baba stayed at Shirdi near about 60 years. But native place, caste and parents details of this great saint are unknown till date. Some people believe that Saibaba belong to Pathari village located in Parbhani District in the Maharashtra State of India. Some peole believe that Saibaba is Avatar of Shri Krishna and some believe that Saibaba is Avatar of Shri Dattaray. Baba used to call himself as Servant ('Banda') of God. He used to always say "Allah Bhala Karega" to his devotees.

There was Muslim person named Chand Patil. He was Patil of Village DhoopKhede. Once he lost his mare. While searching he came accross a tree where Maharaj (SaiBaba) were sitting. Before this incident he has never seen Baba. Maharaj called him and asked his problem. After listening to problem Baba showed him direction with finger and said check that way. As per Babas instruction Chand Patil went and returned to Baba with his lost mare.

Mean while Baba were preparing chillim but two things were required, Fire to light 'chillim' and water to wet the 'chappi' (pieces of clothes). Chand Patil was watching baba carefully. Baba dashed chimta on ground which generated fire and dashed sakta on ground which gave water. 'Chappi' was made wet and wrapped around and thus 'chillim' was ready then Baba smoked it and gave it to Chand Patil. As Chand Patil recognized that Baba were not an ordinary person, he requested Baba to visit his premises. Baba promised and went his home the next day.

Baba stayed at Chand Patil home for some days. ChandPatil's wife's brother's wedding was arranged at Shirdi. So Baba was also requested to accompany Marriage Party. Party alighted near Khandoba Mandir in Shirdi. Mhalasapati saw Baba and said "Ya Sai". That was first time to call Baba as 'Sai' and thereafter everyone started saying Baba as Saibaba. After wedding ceremony everyone returned to Dhoop village except Baba and stayed there forever.

History of Shirdi Sai Baba- Sai Baba is said to have been born in 1838. Details of his birth, family, and early years seem unclear. He started to live in Shirdi from 1858. In his early years, Sai Baba lived off the alms that kind women and merchants in the village gave him. He initially had to endure much hostility as most of the people in Shirdi were Hindus and his appearance was indicative of being a Sufi Muslim.

It is at this time that Sai Baba of Shirdi is said to have manifested many miracles most of them involving healing of the sickly. Cholera, leprosy, and the plague were rampant at the time with no adequate cure. Sai Baba administered to the sick and cured them quickly. As his following started to increase, the village became a place where devotees could always find food and shelter. Rich devotees contributed towards building rest houses and distribution of food.

Sai Baba lived in a small mosque in Shirdi till his demise in 1918. He spoke in parables and always encouraged the listeners to seek out God in all living beings. His story was written and songs sung in his praise even during his lifetime. Sai Baba essential simplicity remained his mystique through his life.

Famous for- Sai Baba temple at Shirdi is famous for its wish fulfillment and healing. Thousands of devotees pledge to visit the temple each year when their desires are granted and accidents averted. Many sick devotees come here with the belief that the seer shall heal them of their maladies. The sacred ash or Udhi dispensed at the temple is believed to have miraculous healing properties. The sacred fire or Dhuni lit by Sai Baba of Shirdi at the mosque is kept aglow round the clock.

Before his demise Sai Baba of Shirdi had promised to live in the tomb and to bless all devotees who visit the temple. A number of devotees claim to see Sai Baba in times of need and despair. The temple is known for its intense peace and spiritual vibrations.

Visitor Information

Aarti and Pooja Timings

Timing Pooja Shrine

4.00 am Temple Opening Baba Samadhi Mandir

4.30 am Kakad Aarti  Samadhi Mandir

5.00 am Mangal Snan Samadhi Mandir

5.40 am Darshan Begins Samadhi Mandir

11.30 am Dhuni Pooja Dwarkamai

12 noon Mid Day Aarti Samadhi Mandir

4.30 pm Dhoop Aarti Samadhi Mandir

9.00 pm Chavadi and Gurusthan closes

9.45 pm Dwarkamai closes

9.45 pm Shej Aarti Samadhi Mandir

11.45 pm Dwarkamai closes

Tickets for Darshan may be booked online or from the PR office near the temple.

Sai Baba live darshan can be had online through the temple website every day between 4.00 am and 11.15 pm

Important festivals celebrated at the temple

Some of the main festivals celebrated at the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple are:

Ramanavami (March/April)

Guru Poornima (July)

Eid (July)

Vijayadasami/Dussera (September/October)