What is Shirdi best known for?
Shirdi is a village in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra having a religious significance, 76 km from Nashik. Today, the village has transformed into one of the most visited pilgrimage centres. Shirdi was the home of Sai Baba, the great saint of the 20th century. That is, he spent more than 50 years of his life in this village and converted this small village into a big pilgrimage place, where devotees from place to place visit him and pray.
The best-known places in Shirdi
- Dwarkamai: Dwarkamai is a treasure trove of Shirdi and is called the heart of Shirdi, it is said that at this place the great Sai Baba spent a special time of his life including his last moments.
- Lendi Baug: The beautiful garden nurtured by Sai Baba himself is situated in the north of Samadhi temple Shirdi-Manmade State expressway.
- Gurusthan: It is one of the most special places in Shirdi. It is believed that Sai Baba first appeared to the world as a 16-year-old boy. It is believed that at this place all the diseases of the devotees are cured.
- The Sansthan Temple: Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Temple is a major religious site in Shirdi dedicated to Shri Sai Baba. It is said that Sai Baba had unprecedented powers which he used to end the suffering of his devotees.
- Chavadi: Chavadi is a very special place for pilgrims. Sai Baba spent a few nights here during his last years. Chavadi is located near the Dwarkamai Mosque from where Sai Baba's procession was taken out in a palanquin by his followers, hence the devotees of Sai Baba consider this place to be very special.
- Wet and Joy water park: Shirdi Water Park, which is extremely popular among tourists visiting here. This place brings immense relief to tourists during the summer season. This waterpark also has delicious food, a dressing room and a locker along with many exciting activities.
- Khandoba Mandir: Khandoba Temple is a temple located on the main road with the symbol of Khandoba, Banai and Malaisai is dedicated to the presiding deity of the city, Khandoba.
- Maruti Mandir: The Hanuman Temple, otherwise called Maruti Mandir, is the oldest temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Hanuman manifests power, strength and is the patron deity of wrestlers, young men find this an auspicious place in which to exercise. So in Mandir one may notice weight and dumbbells.
- The Sai Heritage Village in Shirdi is a unique combination of the beauty of nature and the blessings of Sai Baba. It showcases the major events that took place during Sai Baba's lifetime in the form of statues.
LaxmiBai Shinde Temple: Laxmi Bai Shinde was one of the devotees of Sai Baba, she was the woman who was allowed inside the mosque when the curtains were down. She used to prepare food for the saint and in return got coins.
Airport address: Shirdi Airport, Kopargaon, Kakadi, Maharashtra 423107
IATA code: SAG