Shirdi Sai Baba Temple that was built over the samadhi of Shri Sai Baba in 1922 is located in
Shirdi village in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra.Revered by followers of all religions,
Sai Baba, who lived and preached in Shirdi and surrounding regions during the late 19th and
early 20th century, took samadhi on October 15, 1918.Around 60,000 people visit the temple
everyday and the number goes up to about one lakh on weekends. During special festivals, at
least two to three lakh devotees visit the famous shrine.
Samadhi Mandir is where Sai Baba was laid to rest. Built of white marbles, the Samadhi Mandir attracts worshippers in great numbers. The site of the Mandir originally belonged to a multi millionaire named Shreemant Gopalrao who was an ardent worshipper of Baba. The site that houses the tomb of Baba was initially intended to be a wada, meaning ‘a huge private house’ for Baba along with a temple. Baba’s health deteriorated and before his last breath, he asked to be taken to wada. His mortal remains were buried in the site intended to have the image of Lord Murlidhar. A showroom here houses the articles used by Sai Baba.
Covering an area of 200 square meters, Shri Saibaba Sansthan Temple stands at the center of Shirdi. The temple attracts pilgrims from various parts of the world. Accommodation is provided here for pilgrims. Once you arrive at Shirdi, you need to contact the Niwassthan office for registering your name for accommodation. Arrangements to keep your valuables safe in lockers are also available here. In short, you can have a comfortable and peaceful darshan of Sai Baba.
Dwarkamai Masjid was Sai Baba’s abode for over 60 years. It was here that he blessed his devotees and it was here he lit a sacred fire, which still burns. The stone grinder which Baba used and the wooden bowl in which he collected the offerings made by public are preserved here. The oil painting of the saint is spectacular.
Chavadi was closely associated with Baba as he used to sleep here every alternate day during the last ten years of his life. He was moved to this place by his devotees on a rainy day when the Masjid in which he was staying started to leak. Since then, Baba used to return to Chavadi every alternate night to sleep here. After Baba attained Samadhi, the Sansthan acquired the place. Books were stored here and pilgrims were accommodated here for sometime. Now, Chavadi is protected as a shrine of Baba.
Dixit Wada Museum is situated inside the Sansthan Trust complex. Here you will find pictures of Sai Baba with his devotees. These black and white pictures take you back to the olden days when Baba had been physically present comforting those that needed help. The museum also houses the articles he used including cooking utensils, long robes and bathing stone.