Shirdi, the home of India's most prominent profound holy person - Sai Baba - is one of the nation's most visited journeys. Once a small, unassuming village, Shirdi gained fame when a young ascetic showed up here and began preaching the values of Shraddha (devotion) and Saburi (patience) to the people. The present town is woven around his life, and every one of the spots one can visit in Shirdi is firmly connected with Sai Baba. For a remarkable involvement with this profoundly rich city, you should visit these Tourist Places Near Shirdi.
The place where the tomb of Sai Baba is located, Samadhi Mandir, is the first stop for almost every visitor to Shirdi. It was built in 1922 by a wealthy businessman from Nagpur, an ardent devotee of the saint - Shrimant Gopalrao. However, the lifelike white marble statue of Sai Baba was installed here only in 1954. This is the place Why is Shirdi famous?
You can visit the sanctuary for the day; however, the best time is during the daily supplications, which are held four times each day: at 4:30 am (Kakad Aarti), 12 early afternoons (Madhyan Aarti), 6:30 pm (Dhup Aarti) and 10:30 pm (Shej Aarti).
Where: Sai Nagar, Shirdi
When: 4.00 a.m. - 11.00 p.m.
Legend has it that Sai Baba was first seen as Bal Yogi, a young ascetic who was then only 16 years old, under a neem tree in the village of Shirdi. This place is known as Gurusthan and is now a highly revered place in the pilgrimage town. It is also considered to be the place where the Guru of Sai Baba was laid to rest.
A small shrine dedicated to the saint has been built here, where devotees light incense sticks, believing that by doing so, they will receive the blessings of Sai Baba. Gurusthan, which means "seat of the teacher", houses a pair of marble Padukas on a pedestal, a statue of the saint and a "Shivalinga" on its premises.
Where: Mauli Nagar, Shirdi
When: 5.00 am - 10.00 pm
The mosque Dwarkamai Mosque is one of the holiest sites in Shirdi and known as the primary residence of Sai Baba during the 60 years he spent in the city. The most notable feature of the mosque is the Dhuni - a perpetual sacred fire first lit by Sai Baba. The wood ash from the fire has healing powers and is a holy gift that worshippers take home.
The mosque likewise houses an oil painting of the holy person, a stone stool he utilized for his everyday shower, a grindstone, a Shila or stone piece on which he sat, and a wooden bowl he used kept alms donated by villagers. Dwarkamai is an important place in the life of the spiritual saint and should be visited if you want to gain an insight into his life and times.
Where: Sai Nagar, Shirdi
When: 5.30 am - 9.30 am
Sai Baba's stay at Dwarkamai was once interrupted due to heavy rains, which made it uninhabitable. During this time, according to legends, his devotees asked him to move to the village's Chavadi - a public building used for meetings, record-keeping and settling disputes. After Dwarkamai was repaired, the saint returned, but he made a point of spending a few nights in the Chavadi even after that. With time, and especially after Baba's Mahasamadhi, Chavadi became one of the most revered places in the city. This is one of the most amazing Tourist Places Near Shirdi.
Today, the procession in which Baba's Padukas and photographs of Dwarkamai are brought to Chavadi is attended by devotees as a reminder of when this place provided refuge to their beloved saint.
Where: Mauli Nagar, Shirdi
When: 3.45 am - 9.00 am
For a nice tactile experience, visit the Sai Tirth Theme Park, which is fast becoming one of the most popular places in Shirdi. This beautiful theme park, the only one of its kind in India, is a technology-driven, devotional experience that takes you on a journey through the life of Sai Baba.
There are four shows on offer here - Teerth Yatra (featuring India's most impressive temples), Dwarkamai (about the famous mosque where Sai Baba lived), Sab Ka Malik Ek (an hour-long film summarising the saint's life) and Lanka Dahan (a 5-D experience of Hanuman's journey to Lanka).
Where: Taluka Rahata, Shirdi
When: 00 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Entrance fee: Rs.450 - Rs.590 per person; free for children (under 1.80 m tall)
With beautifully carved statues depicting various events in the life of Sai Baba, Sai Heritage Village is one of the must-visit places in Shirdi. The theme park offers a glimpse into the life of the mystic saint and gives visitors an idea of how the city of Shirdi looked during his time.
On display are various lifelike sculptures depicting the saint offering medical aid to the needy, serving his followers, scenes from his palki and daily village life here. A well-kept garden, a ropeway and a toy train for the children are also available in the park (extra charge).
Where: Ahmednagar-Manmad Highway, Taluka Rahata, Shirdi
When:00 am - 8.00 pm
Entrance fee:125 per person
The most important hindu religious places in India, located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand state and formerly part of Uttar Pradesh. The trail passes through four Hindu pilgrimage destinations - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.
The faithful flock to Lendi Baug Shirdi to explore the garden Sai Baba created and cultivated out of a wasteland. Named after a little stream that used to stream close by, Lendi Baug houses a marble "Deepgruha", celebrating the "Diya" that the holy person set up here. He also planted a neem tree and a Peepal tree here, which still exist today. It is believed that he meditated in this garden under the neem tree, away from his disciples and the rest of the village.
The garden is an oasis of calm in a crowded city and a worthwhile place to visit in Shirdi. While you are here, you should also see the samadhis of some of Sai Baba's most ardent devotees, including Shri Tatya Kote, Bhau Kumbhar and VP Iyer.
Where: Mauli Nagar, Shirdi
When:00 AM - 7:00 pm
Dixit Wada Museum is a rich treasure trove of all things related to the mystic saint and one of the most visited places in Shirdi for history buffs. The museum is located at Shirdi Sai Baba Temple Complex. It displays rare photographs of Sai Baba, his personal belongings like the Kafni (the long robe he wore), Padukas, utensils, gramophone records, a palki given to him in his ministry and a chair used.
This tranquil place offers a glimpse into the ascetic's life and is truly worth a visit.
Where: Mauli Nagar, Shirdi
When: 00 am - 10.00 pm
Besides these Tourist Places Near Shirdi, all related to the life and times of the widely revered saint, Sai Baba, many other fascinating places nearby can be visited on a trip to Shirdi. These include Shani Shingnapur (a famous Shani Temple), Bhandardara (a resort), and Trimbakeshwar (a famous Shiva temple and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India). Being one of the holiest pilgrimage cities in India, Shirdi sees thousands of visitors coming here every day. Most devotees visit all the sites listed above to get a glimpse of the ascetic's life and pay their respects. If you still have questions in your mind regarding Shirdi tours like, how to visit the Shirdi temple you can mention them in the comments section. Also if you want to get Shirdi Tour Packages then visit Sikh Tours, the best tour and travel company in India for the best deals. They have two variations of Shirdi tour packages, one is Delhi To Shirdi Tour Packages, and the second one is Mumbai To Shirdi Tour Packages. You can select any one of them at your convenience.