TheeraYatra

Shirdi

Quick Overview

Best Time to Visit: October to February
Weather: Pleasant winters, hot summers, moderate monsoons
Budget: ₹1,500–₹8,000/day
Speciality: Abode of Sai Baba

Plan Your Trip

Getting There

Nearest Airport: Shirdi Airport (SAG), ~14 km from the temple
By Train: Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station is 3 km from the Sai Baba Temple, connecting to Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai
By Road: Well-connected via NH160; MSRTC and private buses available from Mumbai (240 km), Pune (190 km), Nashik (90 km), and Aurangabad (130 km)

Where to Stay?

Near Sai Baba Temple – walking distance to temple, convenient for darshan and local eateries
Pimpalwadi Road and Nagar Manmad Road – budget to mid-range hotels, close to temple and bus stand

Packing List

• Modest traditional clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes (easy to remove)
• Light cotton clothes for summer
• Light woolen for winter evenings
• Umbrella or raincoat during monsoon

Top Places to Visit

Shri Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir

The sacred final resting place of Sai Baba, this magnificent temple attracts millions of devotees annually. The atmosphere is deeply spiritual with continuous prayers and devotional music.

Dwarkamai

The mosque where Sai Baba spent most of his life, now a revered shrine. The sacred dhuni (eternal fire) still burns here, and devotees receive udi (sacred ash) as a blessing.

Chavadi

The place where Sai Baba used to sleep on alternate nights. Processions still recreate his journey from Dwarkamai to Chavadi every Thursday evening.

Gurusthan

The spot under a neem tree where young Sai Baba was first seen meditating. The neem tree is believed to have healing properties and remains untouched as per Baba’s wish.

Shani Shingnapur

Located 72 km from Shirdi, this unique village is famous for its Shani temple and houses without doors or locks, symbolizing faith in Lord Shani’s protection.

Lendi Baug

A peaceful garden maintained by Sai Baba himself, featuring a sacred lamp that still burns. An ideal spot for meditation and reflection.

Sai Teerth Theme Park

India’s first spiritual theme park offering an immersive journey through Sai Baba’s life with 5D shows, rides, and interactive exhibits showcasing his teachings.

Dixit Wada Museum

A museum housing Sai Baba’s personal belongings including his robes, slippers, photos, and utensils, offering glimpses into his simple life.

Must-Try Experiences

Attend the Aarti

Experience the divine Kakad Aarti (4:30 AM), Madhyan Aarti (12:00 PM), or Shej Aarti (10:30 PM) at the Samadhi Mandir for a spiritually uplifting experience.

Visit Prasadalaya

Partake in the free vegetarian meals served daily to thousands of devotees, experiencing the spirit of selfless service and community dining.

Receive Udi and Blessings

Collect the sacred ash from Dwarkamai’s dhuni, believed to have healing properties and carry Baba’s blessings.

Explore Religious Processions

Witness the grand Thursday evening procession from Dwarkamai to Chavadi, recreating Sai Baba’s ritual with devotional music and chants.

Shop for Spiritual Souvenirs

Browse local markets for Sai Baba idols, photos, books, prayer beads, and sacred items to take home as memories and blessings.

Local Cuisine

Breakfast: Poha, sabudana khichdi, sheera with tea
Lunch: Maharashtrian thali with bhakri, dal, rice, vegetable curry
Snacks: Vada pav, misal pav, bhajiya, fresh guava and pomegranate juice

Culture & Local Life

Shirdi is known as the holy abode of Sai Baba, the 19th-century saint who preached unity of all religions with his message “Sabka Malik Ek” (One God governs all).

The town witnesses constant pilgrimage throughout the year, with major festivals like Guru Purnima, Ram Navami, and Vijayadashami drawing massive crowds.

The atmosphere is deeply devotional with continuous chanting, devotional songs, and spiritual discourses. Visitors from all religions and backgrounds come to seek Baba’s blessings.

Local markets around the temple offer religious books, CDs of devotional songs, and items related to Sai Baba’s teachings of love, forgiveness, and charity.

Local Insights

Languages: Marathi (primary), Hindi, English widely understood

Getting Around: Auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and walking; most attractions within 3-5 km radius

Safety Tips: Keep valuables secure in crowded temple areas, book darshan and accommodation in advance during festivals, maintain decorum in religious places

Enjoy Your Yatra!