Shri Saibaba Temple

Shirdi is a popular religious tourist spot with hordes of visitors thronging this place in huge numbers every day. Shirdi is the abode of the great saint “Sai Baba”. The main attraction of Shirdi is the Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir, situated in the heart of the town of Shirdi. Sai Baba’s body has been laid to eternal rest here. Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir was built in 1917-1918 by a millionaire from Nagpur and an ardent devotee of Sai Baba, Shreemant Gopalrao Buti. It was originally constructed to place the idol of Lord Krishna but later became the place where the last remains of Sai Baba were laid. This Samadhi Mandir holds great reverence for Baba’s devotees from all over the world.

Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir is built beautifully with great detail and exquisite designs and is the major attraction of Shirdi. The samadhi is built with white marble stones. A railing is built around the samadhi embellished with ornamental decorations. The marvelous statue of Sai Baba, which shows him seated on a throne, is made of Italian marble by Balaji Vasant in 1954. This statue is decorated by an open, silver umbrella above it. There is a huge assembly hall in front of the temple which can accommodate up to 600 devotees and a section of the hall showcases various belongings of Sai Baba. The first floor of the temple has collections of photographs and artifacts depicting the life of Sai Baba.

The Sai Baba temple is open from 5 AM to 11 PM with devotees queuing up in huge numbers, waiting for their turn to seek the blessings of Sai Baba. On occasions like Guru Purnima, Dussera, and Rama Navami the temple remains open overnight. Every thursday and during festivals, Sai Baba’s photo is taken out from the temple in a palkhi in a colorful procession. A must visit place for devotees of Sai Baba, the Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir gives the followers of Baba a sense of peace and calmness as soon as they enter the premises. One can sense the presence of Sai Baba in spiritual form here and feel closer to the ‘Child of God’.

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’s essential simplicity remained his mystique through his life.

Best Time to Visit
Locals say that that Saibaba asked devotees only to celebrate Guru Purnima. Besides, Ramnavami, Shirdi Vijayadashmi, and, Urus are celebrated with full devotion in the temple. During Guru Purnima, a Vyasa Puja is organized in honor of Ved Vyasa who wrote the epic Mahabharata. During the festivals like Ramnavami, Shirdi Vijayadashmi, and, Urus, a special puja takes place at the temple, and grand processions, carrying the palanquin and the Rath, is also organized. From dawn to dusk, Shirdi remains illuminated with all night bhajan and qawwali sessions. Tourist can contact the Sansthan Office about the festival celebration that takes places in the temple.