What is Shirdi best known for?
Shirdi is a small, rural town in the Rahata Taluka district of Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. It is a place that Sai Baba called home for over 60 yr. It is a place of the world where all religions are treated as one through the lens of belief, faith and the power of tolerance. No one is heard praying as he bows his head in prayer. Instead, there is the full presence of satisfaction and acceptance. Millions of devotees, following in the footsteps of SaiBaba, are making the journey to Shirdi to honour his life and the spirit given to them within. His teachings and his way have turned this small village into a unique site for devotees. SaiBaba treated all people as equal regardless of race, colour, or creed. The Pilgrims go to Shirdi to witness the acquisition of complete peace of mind, strong confidence, and a good sense of purpose while living in the holy place.
Here are the best-known places in Shirdi
- Shirdi Sai Baba Temple: It is one of the most visited shrines in India which sees more than 25,000 devotees every day. The temple is built at the site of the Neem tree whose branches come out of the roof of the temple.
- Sai Tirth Theme Park: This is the first spiritual park in India. This air-conditioned park has a movie space, 5D show, artificial Dwarkamai and a train ride.
- Gurusthan: Gurusthan literally translates to ‘seat of the teacher’. It is the place where Sai Baba was first seen as a 16-year-old boy by the world.
- Sai Heritage Village: The Sai Heritage Village is a theme park cum picnic spot offering a variety of activities that are backdropped by lush greenery. Also, it displays the times of Sai Baba’s life.
- Shani Shignapur: Dedicated to Lord Shani, this temple is an exception with the god being represented by only a black stone. It is believed that the lord here is so powerful that the villagers have no doors and villages in their homes.
- Wet N Joy Water Park: It is a water and amusement park meant for a fun-filled day of the excursion.
- Lendi Baug: This was the garden where Sai Baba came to water the plants. He sat here under the neem tree where he dug a two feet deep pit to keep the earthen pot.
- Dwarkamai: Dwarkamai used to be a mosque that was later converted to a home by Shirdi Sai Baba. It is believed that Sai Baba lived in Dwarkamai till the end of his life.
- Hanuman Mandir: It is counted among the oldest temples in Shirdi. Also known as Maruti Mandir, it has two idols of hanuman side by side with a few dumbbells playing in the corner of the temple.
- Jangli Maharaj Ashram: Owned by a spiritual guru named Om Gurudev, it is a co-educational and residential school. The ashram is the best place to gain some spirituality.
Airport in Shirdi
Shirdi Airport is located at Kakadi village, about 14 km South-west of the town of Shirdi in Maharashtra, India. It is the fourth busiest airport in the state after Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur.
- Airport address: Shirdi International Airport, Kopargaon, Kakdi, Maharashtra
- IATA code: SAG