Maharashtra
Shirdi: Explore The Devotional City In Maharashtra!
If you are planning for a spiritual vacation in the territory of India, with some elements of distinctiveness, Shirdi can be an unmistakable choice you can go for. This city is located in the central India region in the state of Maharashtra. The tourism prominence of the city comes from its association with the spiritual personality, of Sai Baba.
Every year a lot of pilgrims and devotees are seen visiting this particular location. Since it is connected with Sai Baba, you can also see a lot of foreign tourists flocking to the destination. The statues, memorials, and monuments that can be seen in the city commemorating the figure are impressive and unique. Here are some of the best destinations in Shirdi where you can go and have a matchlessly unique spiritual vacation experience.
Table of Contents
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
This temple is one of the most crucial spots you can visit in the destination of the city of Shirdi. It is regarded and worshipped as the home of the Indian saint, ‘Sai Baba’. The arrival of Sai Baba in this particular place is marked in the year, 1858. Later he attained salvation from the same place, in the year 1918. People consider Sai Baba as ‘the child of God’. Hence he is worshipped and respected with the same honor.
Throughout his life, he has been empowering and enlightening his followers with the ideals of harmony and universal love. The entire town of Shirdi is connected with a lot of legends of Sai Baba, and you can see a lot of temples dedicated to him, but this is the most important shrine among them.
Sai Heritage Village
This is another beautiful location you can cover in your Shirdi vacation again connected with the spiritual guru, Sai Baba. You can easily access the location of the village at just a distance of 2km from the main bus station of Shirdi. This easy accessibility has helped almost all of the Shirdi tourists to visit the location without fail.
Apart from the purposes of pilgrimage, you can also consider picnicking with your dear ones in the calming surroundings of this heritage village. It was in the year 2014 that this particular village got established in the territory of the city of Shirdi.
Baba Chavadi
‘Chavadi’ is a local name meaning ‘tax collection office’ when translated into English. This particular Chavadi in the city of Shirdi is again connected with Sai Baba. It is said that Sai Baba was residing in the Chavadi during the last days of his life, not regularly but on alternate days. You can easily locate the destination since it is close to the popular landmark of Dwarkamai Mosque.
A procession that happened in the place is quite popular concerning this location. It is remembered even now by recreating the procession with devotion and admiration toward Sai Baba. Devotees consider this location sacred so make sure you follow the code of conduct while visiting Chavadi.
Sai Theerth Theme Park
This is a spirituality-based theme park located in the city of Shirdi. You can indulge in various spiritual experiences from the park which will soothe you in and out. If you have already got plans to visit the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, the location of this theme park is just 2km away from it.
When it comes to the devotional theme parks in the territory of India, this is the only one existing and it is also the one that came into existence first. 5D shows can also be experienced from this particular devotional theme park set in the city. If you have got a minimum of 3 hours to spare, visiting this park would be an unforgettable experience.
House of Laxmibai Shinde
Laxmibai Shinde is known for being a committed devotee of Sai Baba. During the last days of Sai Baba, Laxmibai Shinde along with some other devotees took care of him to help him have a peaceful death. She also enjoyed a couple of privileges in the area just as permission to enter the mosque even when the curtain remained closed.
Laxmibai Shinde was fond of preparing food for Sai Baba along with a lot of other devotees who enjoyed doing so. She was also particular about doing it every day without fail. For her service and unconditional love, Baba used to give her money. These coins can be seen by visiting the house of Laxmibai Shinde.
Gurusthan
Gurusthan is a local name and its meaning comes as “place of the Guru” when translated into the English language. During his initial days in the city of Shirdi, most of his time was spent in this particular place. The neem tree that can be found in the place is also quite special since Sai Baba believed this place was where the tomb of his Guru is located. Hence the prominence of this place in the city is relatively higher.
It is also believed that a hidden passage exists in the Gurusthan location which leads to a location called ‘Dwarkamai’. The neem tree in the location is also worshipped by paying due respects and honors to the devotees visiting the location. This is also a peaceful location where you can come and sit, enjoying the tranquil vibes that the place has got to offer you.
Jangli Maharaj Ashram
Another spiritual center is set in the location of the city of Shirdi. If you would like to get spiritually enlightened or improve your spiritual knowledge, you can consider hitting the location and receiving the teachings of the spiritual gurus there. The administrative authorities and the management of the ashram deserve appreciation since they are helping out the visitors with what they truly need to attain that state of salvation and peace.
Moreover, the cleanliness and organization of the ashram are also noteworthy. People stay together with a sense of harmony and universal love. The ashram also provides food and accommodation facilities to the devotees and believers visiting the place. This is just a perfect spot to destress your mind and get immersed in peace and love.
Lendi Baug
This is a scenic location you can visit in the city of Shirdi. You can click a lot of pictures and portraits from the location. You need to travel through the Shirdi Manmade state highway in order to find the location of Lendi Baug. Even if it is a park location, this park has also got connections with Sai Baba.
During his years spent in Shirdi, he used to take care of the plants and herbs in this garden by watering them every day in the morning and the evening. You can also spot a neem tree in the park where Sai Baba used to enjoy the shade and rest.
Wet N Joy Water Park
Apart from the spiritual side of the city of Shirdi, you can consider enjoying some playful vibes from the Wet N Joy Water Park. If you have kids along with you, they can make the most out of the trip by visiting this park. Visiting this park would also work out if you are planning to visit the city with your cool friends’ gang. If you love adventure and thrills, the rides in the park can satisfy you the most in this regard.
Water rides and pools in the park are also quite playful and fun. In a city full of spirituality, visiting this park would be a different experience altogether. Also, make sure you are checking out for discounts on packages since the park provides a couple of them.
Hanuman Mandir
Just like the name of the destination suggests, this is a Hindu pilgrim destination devoted to the Hindu God, Hanuman, located in the city of Shirdi. From the main bus terminal of Shirdi town, you can reach the temple at just a distance of 600m. ‘Maruti Mandir’ is the other name by which this particular temple is known among the locals as well as the visitors.
The ancientness of this temple is one factor by which it becomes an attraction for pilgrim tourists visiting the city of Shirdi. Wrestlers are also seen visiting this temple in Shirdi in order to receive blessings from their Lord Hanuman. You can consider visiting this temple anytime between 7 in the morning to 10 in the evening.
Dixit Wada Museum
If you are someone looking for historical facts and information regarding the city of Shirdi and the associations it got with the spiritual saint, Sai Baba, you have got to travel to the Dixit Wada Museum located in the city.
There is no entry fee to visit this museum so you can grab a lot of info without worrying about the expense. Moreover, there is no holiday for this particular museum so you can choose any day of the week to visit the place from 10 in the morning to 6 in the evening.
Best time to visit Shirdi: December to March
How to reach Shirdi?
Nearest airport: Aurangabad Airport
Nearest railway station: Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station (SNSI)
Conclusion
Best for spirituality seekers, pilgrims, and devotional family trips.
Read More:
Dwarka: Explore The Holy City In Gujarat!
Somnath: Explore The Holy Place Of Gujarat-2023!