The
queues outside the mandir are endless, the throng inside is maddening, and
the devotion intense. Next to the shrine is the peaceful Masjid where Sai Baba
spent most of his life. The sacred fire called “dhuni” still burns here and its
ash or “udhi” is smeared on devotees. The Chavadi is a small building
where Sai Baba used to spend every alternate night. The Guru Sthan
is the shrine where the Baba’s spiritual leader took samadhi (gave up his body). The
neem tree at the Guru Sthan where Sai Baba first sat when he came to Shirdi, is said to
have absorbed miracle powers. The Lendi Gardens where Sai Baba went for a walk and
sat in meditation is a spot where devotees come to pray. The Khandoba Temple, near
the STA bus stop, is the oldest temple in Shirdi.
The streets of Shirdi
are paved with shops selling Sai Baba memorabilia, especially the unforgettable pictures
of Sai Baba himself, with his piercing eyes, snowy beard and benevolent smile. For
assistance in Shirdi, contact the Shri Sai Baba Sansthan, a charitable organisation with a
rest house, canteen, locker facilities and an assistance counter at the bus stand.
Getting there
Shirdi is on the Ahmednagar-Manmad Highway, 250 km from Mumbai and 75 km from Nashik. You
can fly into Nashik and then take a bus, taxi or train to Shirdi. Shirdi is accessible on
the Central Railway line; get off at Manmad (65 km from Shirdi) or at Kopergaon (18 km).
MTDC runs buses from all major destinations.
When to go
Pilgrims flock to Shirdi at any time of the year. Shirdi has a dry climate that
swings to extremes, from a high of 40° C in May, to a low of 7° C in January. But the
monsoon months - June to August - are pleasant, with scanty rains. Though the shrine is
open though the week, Thursday is Sai Baba's special day.
Accommodation and other facilities
Accommodation is never a problem in Shirdi - from the MTDC hotel, tourist rest houses,
dharamsalas and ashrams, to five star accommodation - the town is totally geared for
pilgrims. Hotels offer special packages and check-in/check-out timings. You can stay in
comfort and clean surroundings at one of the charitable sansthas and dharamsalas for just
a handful of rupees. Stay clear of touts!
