Are you yearning to visit in actuality the place where Sai Baba lived and where his tomb is a remembrance of his invaluable teachings and immense impact on lives? For devotees and travelers who want to experience a spiritual encounter that will remain etched in their hearts and souls forever, Shirdi is the place to be. And why not? In our fast-paced lives today, we are too busy playing catch up. Perhaps in chasing material dreams we often forget to find time to connect to our innermost self. Thus, a spiritual getaway is the best way to rekindle the bond with the higher power and the divine presence that sets the world and Universe in motion. Shirdi, and more specifically the Sai Mandir, are beacons of prayer and spiritual growth, inviting wounded, lost and seeking souls to find a path that gives them peace and calm. The Shirdi Temple visit, therefore, cannot be treated as a light weekend break. But as a means to enlightenment, elevation and true growth.
Sai Baba and Sabka Malik Ek
Sai Baba came to Shirdi in 1858 and spent more than 50 years living here. He is also known as the ‘Child of God’, as he throughout his life, spread the message of humanity and brotherhood.
One of the most beautiful aspects of Shirdi is that it is an overwhelmingly secular town. And the primary reason for it being so is that Sai Baba himself believed that ‘Sabka Malik Ek Hain’. With this foundational faith, the Samadhi Temple too, is not a particular religion’s worship site. But it is in fact, where people from different regions, religions, ages, castes, creeds and sexes, come together to show respect and seek blessings from their beloved leader.
How to plan a Shirdi Temple visit?
The first thing to note is your travel dates. The temple is usually more crowded during festivals, such as Diwali, Holi etc. Also, Shirdi is easily accessible from major cities of Maharashtra and India, by rail, road and air. The Shirdi Airport, as well as the Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station, connect Shirdi effectively to the rest of the world. Also, with highways, such as the Mumbai Nagpur Expressway and other major road networks, Shirdi is readily accessible via road as well.
Once you have finalized your date of travel and booked the appropriate mode of transport, it is a good idea to visit the official website of the temple and register for the VIP Darshan and Aarti to skip the long queues.
Also, while planning the Shirdi temple visit, it is important to book your accommodation. There are, of course, many stay options in the town. But the temple trust or Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, provides accommodation to devotees. Some of the places of stay include the Sai Ashram, Saibaba Bhaktaniwassthan and Dwarawati. The accommodation by the temple trust can be booked online in advance by visiting the temple’s official website.
Besides, there are free shuttle and bus services from the places of stay offered by the trust. However, even if you are staying in another hotel, autos are regularly available to take devotees to the temple.
Sai Baba Samadhi Temple Daily Program
The Sai Baba Samadhi Temple, often known as the Shirdi Temple or Sai Mandir is the main and most important landmark of Shirdi. Thousands of people make their way to the temple each day, for Darshan and Aarti. The temple opens at 4:45 A.M every day.
For your Shirdi temple visit, it is also important to understand the programs and activities that take place in a day. Here is taking a look at the daily schedule of the temple program:
4:45 AM – Temple opens
5:00 AM – Bhupali
5:15 AM – Kakad Morning Aarti
5:50 AM – Mangal Snaan In Samadhi Mandir
6:20 AM – Aarti ‘Shirdi Majhe Pandharpur
6:25 AM – Darshan Begins in Samadhi Mandir
11:30 AM – Dhuni Pooja
12:00 noon – Midday Aarti
4:00 PM – Pothi in Samadhi Mandir
Sunset – Dhoop Aarti
8:30 – 10:00 PM – Devotional songs and cultural programs
10:00 PM – Shej Aarti
What to do after the Shirdi Temple visit?
Once you have completed Darshan and Aarti at the temple and spent the day involved in the different programs of the temple what else can you do? Well, for a continuance in your spiritual journey, we would highly recommend paying a visit to the Saiteerth Theme Park in Shirdi.
Located only five minutes from the Sai Mandir, it is the first-ever devotional theme park in India. With a reasonable entry fee, you can explore the life of Sai Baba which has been emulated visually through shows, movies, lasers and more. Some of its attractions include shows like Sabka Malik Ek, Giant Screen and Lanka Dahan. You can also take a Teerth Yatra and pass the most religious and sacred temples of India. The Saiteerth Theme Park is the perfect way to continue your spiritual endeavours at Shirdi.
Also, while planning your Shirdi Temple visit, make sure you go through the temple’s website to learn about the different facilities, such as Prasad counters, ticket reservation counters, donation counters etc. Visiting the Sai Mandir is an enriching experience. And there is little doubt that you will want to visit Shirdi again and again for spiritual peace and well-being.
