I recently visited the sacred town of Shirdi, located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, and I can confidently say that it was more than just a spiritual pilgrimage—it was a journey to reconnect with the divine. Known as the home of Sai Baba, one of India’s most revered saints, Shirdi offers an unparalleled sense of peace and spiritual connection. Shirdi radiates a unique spiritual energy that draws thousands of devotees daily from all over the country. At the heart of this temple town lies the Shri Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir, where followers come to pay their homage and seek blessings.
The Sacred Experience
After a hectic journey from Kolkata I reached Shirdi. From the moment I set foot in this serene town, the air felt sacred. The town radiates a profound sense of peace, as if every corner whispers the presence of Sai Baba. The people here are kind and welcoming, their simplicity reflecting the spirit of Sai. Walking through Shirdi, I felt safe and spiritually uplifted, as if wrapped in the protective grace of the divine. The atmosphere is serene and charged with devotion, bringing an overwhelming sense of calm, as if I am standing at the doorstep of God.
Upon arriving at the temple, you’ll notice several entry points—separate entries for senior citizens and pregnant women, free darshan, VIP darshan, and for the much-awaited aarti(s) and puja(s). I had pre-booked my visit on the official website of the Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust, which I would recommend to anyone planning a trip. Depending on the crowd, the wait time for free darshan can take up to two hours, but the temple’s excellent queue management system ensures a smooth and orderly experience.
Inside the temple complex, amenities like seating, drinking water, and clean restrooms are provided along the walkway, making the pilgrimage more comfortable. Be mindful that electronic devices and leather items, including belts, are not allowed inside. Lockers are conveniently available at Entry Gates No. 2 and 4, and shoe stands can be found near most gates. You also don’t need to worry about carrying any puja materials—everything is taken care of. Don’t forget to collect your Prasad and Udi (sacred ash) after exiting the Samadhi Mandir.
Adjacent to the Samadhi Mandir, you can visit Dwarkamai, the sacred residence of Sai Baba during his earthly life, Chavadi, where Sai Baba used to sleep on alternate nights in the last decade of his earthly life, Gurusthan, where under a neem tree, Sai Baba spent most of his time when he first came to Shirdi, and Lendi Baug, a garden blessed by his presence. These spots offer further insight into the saint’s life and teachings. A visit here deepens the spiritual connection, offering devotees a glimpse into the simplicity and divinity that Sai Baba embodied.
A Journey Beyond Religion
Shirdi is a spiritually enlightening town open to people of all faiths. Hindus and Muslims pray side by side within the same complex, reflecting the deep secular values that Shirdi upholds. The inclusive atmosphere is a beautiful reminder that love, compassion, and devotion to mankind transcend all religious and racial boundaries. Here, humanism flourishes as the ultimate religion, and visitors leave with a profound sense of unity and love for all.
For me, Shirdi was a journey inward. The peace, devotion, and acceptance that this town offers is truly unique. The simplicity of life here, the devotion of the people, and the overwhelming sense of love and unity made this a soul-stirring experience for me.
How to reach?
Shirdi has its own airport, and you can fly directly if your budget permits. Alternatively, Shirdi is well-connected by road and railway from both Mumbai and Pune. The nearest railway station is Kopargaon, and you’ll find plenty of local rickshaws and taxis for transfers and sightseeing within the town.
Where to stay and what to eat?
Shirdi offers a wide range of accommodation options, catering to every budget—starting from as low as ₹100 and going up to ₹5,000 per night. The food here is equally affordable, and a visit to Shirdi is incomplete without indulging in some authentic Maharashtrian delicacies. We tried Poha, Misal Pav, and Maharashtrian Dal, all of which provide a delightful taste of local cuisine.
Shree Saibaba Sansthan trust also runs an Annadanam program, offering free meals to thousands of devotees daily. This service is available in the Sai Prasadalaya near the temple and serves simple yet nutritious meals to everyone, regardless of status or religion.
Weather and best time to visit
Due to its geographical location, Shirdi experiences significant temperature variations throughout the day. While spring and autumn offer mild weather, summers can bring scorching heat during the day and pleasant nights. Winters are marked by cold nights and comfortable daytime temperatures. It’s best to plan your visit taking into account these climatic shifts. October to March is most recommended.
Nearby Places
While in the region, a visit to Shani Shingnapur is worth considering. This unique village is dedicated to Lord Shani (the god of justice), where the residents live with the belief that their homes are divinely protected, leaving entrances to their house open without fear of theft. You might also like to offer oil to Lord Shani at the Shanisingnapur temple, a revered site dedicated to Shani Dev. For those traveling by car, parking is conveniently available right opposite the temple premises. However, it’s important to be cautious of scammers outside the temple, particularly when it comes to parking or purchasing puja materials. If you wish to buy a puja thali, prices are generally affordable, starting as low as ₹100. Always ensure you purchase from trusted vendors to avoid being overcharged.
Suggested Itinerary
To visit Shirdi alone, 1 to 2 days are sufficient for a fulfilling pilgrimage. Here’s a rough breakdown:
Day 1: Arrive in Shirdi, visit the Shri Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir for darshan, attend an aarti (if you’ve pre-booked), explore Dwarkamai and Chavadi.
Day 2 (optional): Attend another aarti or puja if desired, visit nearby spiritual sites like Gurusthan and Lendi Baug. You could also explore the local markets or eat at the Sai Prasadalaya.
For travelers from northern or eastern India, visiting Shirdi can indeed be a long and tiring journey. If you’re not from Maharashtra or nearby states, I would recommend combining your Shirdi pilgrimage with other nearby destinations. Consider adding a Mumbai or Pune city tour, a visit to the three Jyotirlinga temples nearby (Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga near Nashik, Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga near Pune and the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga near Aurangabad), the mesmerizing Ajanta and Ellora caves in Aurangabad, or exploring any scenic hill stations of the Western Ghats.
A thoughtful reminder
While in Shirdi, it’s important to remain patient in the queues and being kind to the needy, as this is part of the spiritual experience. To maintain the peaceful atmosphere of the temple town, refrain from littering and be mindful of keeping the surroundings clean. Additionally, respect the local customs and traditions, as they are deeply intertwined with the spiritual essence of the place.
Reference
Please refer to the official website of Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust for all information regarding temple timings, darshan, aartis, poojas, donation and for accommodation by the trust.
Ayantika Malakar 
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