Shirdi Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit | How to Get There

The Sai Baba Temple in Shirdi is the primary attraction, drawing millions of devotees worldwide. The temple complex includes the Samadhi Mandir, where Sai Baba's mortal remains rest. Devotees flock here to offer prayers, participate in Aarti, and seek blessings.

 

The temple's serene ambiance, combined with the soulful chants, creates an atmosphere of profound spirituality. The daily rituals, including the Kakad Aarti at dawn and Shej Aarti at night, are significant highlights. The temple also features a museum showcasing Sai Baba's personal belongings, adding to the spiritual experience.

Dwarkamai Mosque holds immense historical and spiritual significance as it was Sai Baba's residence for a significant part of his life. The mosque is an essential pilgrimage site, featuring the sacred fire (Dhuni) maintained by Sai Baba, which continues to burn even today.

Visitors can see artifacts used by Sai Baba, such as his grinding stone and bathwater pot. Dwarkamai symbolizes Sai Baba's teachings of unity and peace, and the calm and pious environment here allows devotees to reflect on his life and messages.

Chavadi is a small but significant place in Shirdi where Sai Baba spent every alternate night during the last years of his life. This historical site is now a pilgrimage spot for devotees. The Chavadi is well-preserved and showcases items used by Sai Baba, including his wooden bed and a white chair.

The peaceful ambiance of Chavadi offers a glimpse into the daily life of Sai Baba. The ritual procession from Dwarkamai to Chavadi, reenacted every Thursday, attracts numerous devotees and is a unique spiritual experience.

Located about 70 km from Shirdi, Shani Shingnapur is renowned for its temple dedicated to Lord Shani, the deity of justice. The village is unique for its tradition of houses without doors, symbolizing the residents' unwavering faith in Lord Shani's protection.

The temple features a black stone idol of Shani placed on an open-air platform, and devotees offer oil to appease the deity. The village's strong belief in divine protection and justice attracts thousands of pilgrims, making it a fascinating and spiritually enriching visit.

Gurusthan, meaning "place of the guru," is believed to be where Sai Baba was first seen as a young boy under a neem tree. A small shrine and the neem tree mark this sacred spot, making it an important pilgrimage site. Devotees visit Gurusthan to pay homage and seek blessings, believing that the spot has miraculous powers.

 

The neem tree is considered special as its leaves, despite being bitter, are said to be sweet if consumed from the specific part of the tree where Sai Baba used to sit.

The Sai Baba Temple offers several Aartis and Darshans throughout the day, providing devotees ample opportunities to seek blessings.

Kakad Aarti This early morning Aarti takes place at 4:30 AM, marking the beginning of the day with devotional hymns.

Madhyan Aarti Held at 12:00 PM, this afternoon Aarti is a significant event, drawing a large number of devotees.

Dhoop Aarti This evening Aarti takes place at sunset, around 6:30 PM, filling the atmosphere with a serene ambiance.

Shej Aarti The final Aarti of the day, Shej Aarti, is conducted at 10:30 PM, marking the end of the day's rituals.

The distance between Shirdi and Nasik is approximately 90 km. The road trip between these two spiritual hubs offers scenic views and is well-connected by regular bus services, private taxis, and rental cars.

A visit to Nasik can be an excellent addition to your Shirdi trip, as it is famous for the Kumbh Mela, Trimbakeshwar Temple, and the vibrant culture.

The best time to visit Shirdi is between October and March, during the winter months. The weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the town and its spiritual sites. Summers can be extremely hot, making it uncomfortable for travel and exploration. The monsoon season, from June to September, sees moderate rainfall, but the weather remains humid.

To fully explore Shirdi and its surrounding attractions, a 2 to 3-day trip is ideal. Here's a suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival and Sai Baba Temple Visit

Morning: Arrive in Shirdi and check into your hotel.
Afternoon: Visit the Sai Baba Temple and participate in the afternoon Madhyan Aarti.
Evening: Explore the temple complex, including the Samadhi Mandir, Dwarkamai Mosque, and the museum.
Night: Attend the Shej Aarti and experience the serene nighttime ambiance.

Day 2: Local Attractions and Spiritual Sites

Morning: Visit Gurusthan and offer prayers.
Afternoon: Explore Chavadi and understand its historical significance.
Evening: Take a short trip to Shani Shingnapur and return to Shirdi.
Night: Relax at your hotel or explore local markets for souvenirs.

Day 3: Optional Trip to Nasik
Morning: Depart for Nasik, which is about 90 km from Shirdi.
Day: Visit the Trimbakeshwar Temple, Panchavati, and other significant sites in Nasik.
Evening: Return to Shirdi or head back to your onward destination.

Fly into Shirdi Airport (14 km from the town) with connections from major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. Alternatively, use Aurangabad Airport (130 km) or Pune Airport (185 km) for more flight options.

The Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station, 3 km from the Sai Baba Temple, is well-connected to cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available for easy transfers to the town.

 

Shirdi is about 240 km from Mumbai and 185 km from Pune. Regular buses, including those from Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) and private operators, connect Shirdi with major cities. Self-drive or car rentals are also convenient for a flexible journey.

 

Local transportation within Shirdi includes auto-rickshaws, taxis, and buses, making it easy to explore the town and nearby attractions.