Shirdi

Shirdi is a small village, popularly known as a pilgrim place and is also famous for the renowned Sai Baba Temple. Shirdi is positioned about 296 km from Mumbai (Bombay) City in India. The city is positioned in the district of Ahmednagar in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The Land of Sai is a well-liked destination of the devotees and pilgrims, who pay their visit throughout the year. The origin and history of Shirdi is in a mysterious shape however, the city got its fame in the 20^th century

Shirdi is a little town and is a part of Maharashtra tourism. The city is sprawled over an area of about 3 sq km and is positioned at a distance of about 297 km from Mumbai, 82 km from Ahmednagar, 80 km from Nasik and 16 km from Kopargaon.

Sai Baba was a spiritual leader, yogi and fakir who, is revered by both Hindus and Muslims as a saint. It is also believed that He was a reincarnation of Lord Krishna. Recognized as the Land of Sai, Shirdi is very well connected to the rest of the country.

It is believed that Sai Baba disembarked in the town of Shirdi in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, when he was 16 years old and lived here until His death. Legends say that Sai Baba took shelter in the Khandoba Temple, where a villager by the name of Mahalsapathi in the temple started calling him “Sai” or Saint Sai Baba.

His real name, birthplace and date of birth are still anonymous. Revered equally by both Hindus and Muslims, Sai Baba lived in a mosque as well but was cremated in a temple. Sai Baba originated the philosophy of “Shraddha” which means having faith and “Saburi” meaning compassion and in compliance with His thoughts both of these virtues takes an important place to reach the state of godliness.

Apart from the Sai Baba temple another place near Shirdi which is very famous is the village of Shani Shingnapur which has a temple, dedicated to Lord Shani. The village is also famous for the fact that none of the houses, shops and even banks incorporates doors; there are door frames but no doors. The villagers never keep anything under the lock and believe that Lord Shani will punish anyone who will try to steal.

The main attraction of the city is the Shirdi temple complex, which is stretched over an area of about 200 sq. m. The temple complex includes Khandoba, Gurusthan, Samadhi Mandir, Dwarkamai, Chavadi and Lendi Baug.  Maruti Temple and Shani Temple are built with the supervision of Shirdi Sai Baba, also stands as the other attractions to explore in Shirdi. Shirdi travel and tourism is a popular among the Indian and foreign tourists alike and for that the Shirdi tour packages are a perfect way of exploring the splendor of the destination in Western India.

General facts about Shirdi
Location: Western India
Area: 3 sq km
Language: English, Hindi and Marathi
Climate: Tropical and moderate
Major Attractions: Dwarkamayee Masjid, Chavadi, Gurusthan
Ideal Time to Visit: September to April

Tourist sightseeing in Shirdi
Shirdi is a pilgrim place which is frequented by the devotees throughout the year. Apart from its well known temple the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple there are other places to visit in Shirdi such as Samadhi Mandir, Dwarkamayee Masjid, Chavadi, Gurusthan, Khandoba Temple, Lendibag ans Nandadeep, Mahadev, Ganesh and Shani Temples.

Climate of Shirdi
Shirdi being located on the western coast possesses a monsoon type of climate having all hot, rainy and cold weather seasons. The state bears a tropical type of climatic conditions. The arrival of the monsoons in the early June renders a sigh of relief from the scorching summers which enter here in the month of March. Monsoons are here till September and thereafter the winters step in the state rendering it with the pleasant climate and cool breezes, which remains till the month of February.

How to reach Shirdi

Shirdi by Air: The nearest airport to Shirdi is at Nashik, 75kms away, Aurangabad is at a distance of 150kms, which is connected by all the major towns of India.

Shirdi by Rail: Kopergaon on Daund-Manmad Line is an important railway station about 16kms from Shirdi.

Shirdi by Road: Shirdi has an extensive roadway service, which connects the city with almost all the major cities of Maharashtra.