Vijayadashami is an auspicious occasion and festival celebrated by Hindus all over the world. Also known as Dussehra, it is celebrated each year after Durga Puja and Navratri. The festival celebrates the win of good over evil and commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravan. However, for followers of Sai Baba, Vijayadashami has a deeper significance. It was on this day that Sai Baba, also fondly known as Gurudeva attained Mahasamadhi or Punyatithi. Hence, Vijayadashami at Shirdi is a big festive celebration.
Sai Baba Samadhi
Sai Baba came to Shirdi to live permanently in 1858 and remained there till the end of his life. It is believed that it was on Vijayadashami or Sharad Navratri in 1918 when he breathed his last, or went Antardhyan, in other words, achieved Mahasamadhi.
However, devotees of Sai Baba believe that though he passed away in 1918, he had indicated the attainment of Mahasamadhi two years earlier in 1916. On Vijayadashami in 1916, Baba went into a sudden rage and took off his Kafni and other clothing. He threw his garments in the dhuni and with burning eyes was heard asking if he was a Hindu or Muslim. All his followers around him were terrified of this behavior and it was Bhagoji Shinde, one of his most loyal devotees who dared to approach him in this state. He asked Baba about what happened and the spiritual leader striked the ground with the satka and said that this was his Seemolanghan.
This incident is considered by his devotees as an indication of his knowing that soon he would cross over to the next life and world. Sai Baba died in 1918 on 15th October, on Vijayadashami and his remains were at Buti Wada which is the original Sai Baba SAmadhi. However, the same place of worship today is known as the Shree Samadhi Mandir or Sai Baba Temple.
Vijayadashami in Shirdi
Since Vijayadashami holds special significance for Sai Baba followers, undoubtedly, it is celebrated with unparalleled zeal and fervor. The Sai Mandir is usually open throughout the night for Darshan and Aarti and lakhs of devotees visit the temple during this festival.
Also, for three days, various devotional events and programs are held at the Sai Temple and across different spiritual places. The holy water from River Godavari is brought for bathing the statue of Sai Baba and a grand process of the chariot or palki is undertaken with a lot of devotion. Brahman Bhojan along with Guru Dakashina is arranged during the festival and on the last day, the SGavjewan or free meal is organized for all the people of Shirdi and devotees.
Shirdi Attractions
Shirdi witnesses an unprecedented rise in tourists and devotees during the festival of Vijayadashami. Thus, Shirdi is bustling with spiritual energy and devotees gather in large numbers not only visiting the Sai Temple but also, exploring the other attractions of the town.
One of the major places of interest in Shirdi, is the Sai Teerth Theme Park. Situated just a few minutes away from the temple, this theme park is India’s first devotional theme park. It showcases the life and journey of Sai Baba’s life using mind boggling technology and artistry. Devotees can watch Sab Ka Malik Ek on the giant screen, a feature film based on teachings of Sai. Dwarkamai which became the temple of Sai Baba where he imparted his knowledge and performed countless miracles, is recreated using animatronics and robotics in a show called Dwarkamai. This fascinating show allows visitors to speak to the Baba, a heart-touching and soul enriching experience, especially on Vijayadashami.
The Sai Palki embodies and brings forth a wave of emotions for followers of the spiritual leader. Similarly, the massive 4000 plus Rubik Cube collage of Sai Baba exudes a picture of calm and divine peace.
The exceptional Laser Show uses visual technology and lights to display Baba’s life journey from the time of his birth to his demise. All of these shows are designed to awaken and keep alive the memory of the loved leader in the hearts of his devotees. And on the festive occasion of Vijayadashami, the shows and attractions at Sai Teerth Theme Park are a spiritual and soulful endeavour that instantly form a deep connection of the followers with their guiding star.
Besides, there are other interesting activities at Sai Teerth. Lanka Dahan is a 5D show on the mission and experiences of Hanuman in Lanka. Teerth Yatra is a religious ride that takes devotees to door steps of ten most divine Hindu temples of India. Some of these include Kedarnath, Dwarka, Tirupati and Meenakshi Temple.
Vijayadashami in Shirdi is akin to heaven for devotees of Sai Baba. Followers wait for this occasion and deem it their utmost luck and good fortune to visit Shirdi during this auspicious festival. With prayers and devotion filled hearts, visitors throng to the Sai Temple, Sai Teerth Theme Park and other religious attractions of the town. After all, who wouldn’t want to do Darshan or seek blessing of the saint on the day of his Mahasamadhi?
