Shirdi
is the place where the revered saint, Sai Baba, lived during his
lifetime. It is also the place where his samadhi is situated. The holy
town makes a must-visit destination for most of the people who come to
Maharashtra on sightseeing tours. One of its major attractions comprises
of the Sai Baba Mandir, where one can find the samadhi of the saint,
along with his idol. Apart from this, there are a number of places in
and around Shirdi that should be included in a tour of the sacred place.
Given below is complete information on the various tourist places
situated in Shirdi, a revered town of India.Sai Baba Temple
The holy town in Maharashtra, known as Shirdi, is held in great reverence by people. The reason for this is that the town is believed to be the place where Sai Baba lived for a major part of his life and he left for the holy abode from here only. Today, Shirdi houses the Sai Baba Temple.
Shri Khandoba Mandir
Shri Khandoba Mandir is situated near the Shri Sainath Hospital. It enshrines the idol of Khandoba, along with that of Banai and Mhalsai. It is believed that when Sai Baba set his foot in Shirdi for the second time, Khandoba was the first place where he was welcomed.
Shri Gurusthan Mandir
Shri Gurusthan Mandir is the place where Sai Baba was seen, when he appeared in Shirdi for the first time, as a boy of 16 years. Infact, this place is believed to be the gurusthan (seat of the teacher) of Shri Sai Baba, that's why the name. The Neem (Margosa) tree situated here find reference in Sai Sat-Charitra. Devotees believe that if you burn incense at the Shri Gurusthan Mandir, your wishes will get fulfilled.
Dwarkamai (Mosque)
Dwarkamai is the mosque where Sai Baba used to stay, when he came to Shirdi for the second time. It is situated to the right of the entrance of Sai Mandir. Those who visit the mandir make it a point to visit Dwarkamai also. The mosque still houses the shila (stone), on which Baba used to sit. The Sacred Fire that Sai Baba used to light in his lifetime has still been kept burning. It is from this fire that udi (vibhuti) is distributed amongst the devotees.
Chawadi
Sai Baba used to go on a procession, from Dwarkamai to Chawadi, on every alternate day. Thereafter, he used to sleep there only. Today, a palanquin procession of Baba's Photo, Holy Padukas and Satka is taken out every Thursday, to Chawadi. Divided into two parts, Chawadi houses of a huge portrait of Baba, along with his wooden bed and white chair.
Lendi Baug
Lendi Baug is the garden where Sai Baba used to go daily, for watering the plants. He used to go there every morning and afternoon and rest under a Neem tree. Besides the tree is Nandadeep, a deepak (diya) that used to lit by the Baba everyday in the pit dug by him. Today, the pit has been converted into a marble deepgriha (lighthouse), with a glass box in which the deep continues to burn. The other attractions of the Lendi Baug are Datta Mandir (samadhi of Sai Baba's horse, Sham Sundar) and Baba's Shivdi, a well.
Samadhi of Abdulbaba
The man who used to read Quran to Sai Baba was fondly known as Abdulbaba. The people of the town and those of Shirdi have sincere devotion towards Abdulbaba, who was also one of the most fervent followers of Baba. His samadhi is situated inside the premises of Shri Sai Baba Temple. The cottage where he used to live still stands intact and houses the photos and various items handled by him as well as Sai Baba.
Maruti Temple
Maruti Mandir is situated at a few minutes distance from the cottage of Abdulbaba. Sai Baba had a special devotion for the temple and used to visit it on a regular basis. He also conducted satsangs at the Maruti Temple, along with Devidas - a bal yogi, who used to reside in the temple 10-12 years before Baba came in Shirdi.
Shri Ganesh Temple, Shri Shani Temple and Shri Mahadev Temple
The three temples of Lord Ganesha, Shani Dev and Shri Mahadev are definitely worth having a look at.
Shri Tatya Kote Samadhi
Tatya was the son of Bayjabai, the woman whom Sai Baba referred to as his mother. He was also one of the most dedicated followers of Baba and continued serving him till his death. Tatya died in the year 1945 and later, his samadhi was built near Lendi Baug.
Nana Walli's Samadhi
Nana Walli was also counted amongst the most passionate devotees and followers of Shri Sai Baba. He was a little different from the others in the way he behaved. He mainly concerned himself with looking after the daily schedule of Shri Saibaba. Nana Walli breathed his last in the year 1918 and thereafter, his samadhi was also built near Lendi Baug.
Bhau Kumbhar's Samadhi
Last but not the least; we have the samadhi of Shri Bhau Maharaj, another one of the devoted followers of Shri Sai Baba. He left for the holy abode in the year 1938 and his samadhi is also situated near Lendi Baug.
