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Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is one of the most powerful and popular spiritual and pilgrimage destinations in Maharashtra. Located in the small town of Shirdi, this temple is believed to be the final resting place of Shri Sai Baba, a renowned saint who’s known for his teachings about love and empathy. Every year, millions of devotees visit the Shirdi Temple with hopes of seeking blessings from the deity and finding a sense of utter peace and tranquillity inside the temple complex. With an expansive temple complex, Sai Baba Temple in Shirdi is a must-visit destination.
Quick Details
Shirdi Temple Address: Mauli Nagar, Shirdi, Maharashtra 423109
Shirdi Temple Timings: 5 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Primary Deity: Sai Baba
Famous For: Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir, spiritual significance, and peace
Nearest Airport: Aurangabad Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station
About
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The Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is one of the most popular spiritual destinations in India, located in the small town of Shirdi in Maharashtra. The temple is the final resting place of Sai Baba, a saint and fakir who was known for his teachings around the “realisation of the self.” The temple complex of the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is quite expansive, spread across an area of 200 sq.m. Inside the temple, you get to witness the main shrine, where the Samadhi of Sai Baba is housed.
How To Reach
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By Air: For the devotees planning to take a flight, you have to book one to Aurangabad Airport, which is connected to all the nearby major cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad. There are taxis available from outside the airport that will take you to Shirdi. The journey usually takes around 3 hours.
By Air: Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station is the nearest railhead from the temple, located around 3 km away. You can hire a local transportation option from outside the station to get to the main temple complex. Shirdi Express and Sachkhand Express are common trains that ply regularly.
By Road: Shirdi is well-connected and can be accessed by major highways. There are regular buses and private cabs available to take you to the main temple complex.
Things To Do
1. Attend The Aartis At The Sai Baba Temple
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The main highlight of the Sai Baba Temple in Shirdi is to attend the aartis that are conducted multiple times throughout the day. There are Kakad aarti, which is conducted early in the morning, Noon aarti, Dhoop aarti, conducted during the evening and Shej aarti, which is conducted during the night. Each aarti experience is quite profound and spiritual, explaining why you must attend each one of them for a well-rounded trip to the temple to fully immerse yourself in the essence of Shirdi.
2. Explore Chavadi
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Another must-visit spot inside the Sai Baba Temple is Chavadi, which is a small building that holds a lot of historical significance. It is believed that Sai Baba used to sleep here every alternate night during the later years of his life. The Chavadi is now a memorial that houses his belongings, including his bed and a wooden chair. The rituals performed at Chavadi are deeply spiritual and moving, especially on Thursdays when a special palkhi procession takes place. During this, the idol of Sai Baba is adorned with flowers and carried through the streets of Shirdi.
3. Visit Lendi Baug
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The next destination inside the Shirdi Sai Baba temple that you have to visit is the Lendi Baug, which is a beautiful garden where Sai Baba spent a considerable amount of time contemplating. It is believed that Sai Baba himself planted many of the trees here, making it a spiritually significant place. A small well, known as “Nanda Deep,” is also located in the garden, and it is said that Sai Baba used to light a lamp at this spot every evening.
Places To Visit Near Shirdi Temple
1. Shani Shingnapur
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Sometimes, you need to visit destinations around Maharashtra that have a unique cultural standpoint. Shani Shingnapur is one such small village where none of the houses in the village have any doors. This village is dedicated to Lord Shani, the god of justice, who is believed to protect the village from any form of theft or crime. The Shani Shingnapur Temple is a famous pilgrimage site and attracts visitors from all over India.
Distance From Shirdi Temple: 72.2 Km
Timings: 24*7
2. Ajanta and Ellora Caves
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Although quite a bit of a drive away, you can consider visiting the Ajanta and Ellora Caves after your pilgrimage to the temple. These ancient caves are renowned for their intricate rock-cut sculptures and paintings that depict the life and times of various Indian dynasties. Ajanta primarily consists of Buddhist caves, while Ellora represents a blend of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist cultures. The journey from Shirdi to these caves is also scenic, taking you through the lush landscapes of Maharashtra.
Distance From Shirdi Temple: 194 Km
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (Mondays closed)
3. Wet N Joy Water Park
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If you are in the mood for some fun and relaxation, a visit down to Wet N Joy Water Park is an absolute must. This is a popular amusement park, where you get to embark on thrilling water rides, perfect for unwinding from the spiritual experience of Shirdi. The park features thrilling water rides, wave pools, and lazy rivers, providing a fun and refreshing break from the pilgrimage activities. There are optimal safety measures in place and they also have a cafeteria indoors.
Distance From Shirdi Temple: 193 Km
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Where To Stay
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Since the tTemple is a popular pilgrimage destination in Maharashtra, there are several accommodations available nearby. Some are private properties and some are government-run. A few of the options you can consider booking are The Temple View Hotel, Hotel Sai Chhatra, Daiwik Hotels Shirdi and Hotel Temple Tree.
Where To Eat
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Shirdi, despite being a small town, has numerous restaurants where you can indulge in some great food. A few of the eateries worth checking out near the temple include The Tulip, Temple Tree Café and Restaurant and Madhuban Shirdi.
Other Factors To Consider
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Tips For Travellers
- Shirdi can get crowded, especially during weekends and festivals, so plan your trip accordingly.
- Since it is a religious destination, ensure that you are dressed properly and maintain silence inside the temple.
- Keep a water bottle and snacks, as the darshan queue can be long.
- Only book accommodation and services through trusted platforms or the official Sai Baba Sansthan portal.
- Be aware of the rules and customs inside the temple and follow them accordingly.
Shirdi Temple is one of the leading pilgrimage destinations in Maharashtra, offering a blend of spiritual and cultural experiences. Getting to witness and experience the divine aura of Sai Baba’s presence truly leaves a lasting impression on devotees. Plan a trip with TripXL to Maharashtra, and ensure that you also book your pilgrimage to Shirdi.
Cover Photo: Kiran-Sharma / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
