Shirdi is a small village in Kopargam taluk, in Ahmadnagar District of the Maharashtra State, near the town of Nashik. It is world famous as the residence of Sai Baba, the sage worshipped by millions. When Baba was physically present at the age of 20 in Shirdi, it was a small village of 80 thatched houses with mud walls. Now it is a big town with palatial modern buildings and shops. It is also a famous pilgrimage (or Theerdha), as people flock to the temple dedicated to the Baba.

The saga of Sai Baba of Shirdi started in the middle of the last century when, as a boy of about 16 years of age, he first appeared here under a neem tree (Azadirachta indica) absorbed in a hard penance. For the next 60 years, he devoted his life for the upliftment of the poor and suffering. His origin, religion, and early life are shrouded in mystery, and though he is believed to be an incarnation of lord Shiva, his teachings transcended all religions and beliefs.

Today, all places, persons, and possessions connected with him have become objects of veneration by millions of devotees who throng to Shirdi every year from all parts of the world. Sai Baba's shrine has been incorporated as one of the holy places in the world's map of pilgrimage.

Tourist Attractions in Shirdi

Dwarkamai - Situated on the right side of the entrance of the Samadhi Mandir is Dwarkamai, a mosque. This was the place where the sage stayed until the end of his life. Main attraction of the site is the oil paintings of the sage.

Chavadi - At a short distance lies Baba's Chavadi. Baba used to sleep here every alternate day. The Chavadi is divided into two parts. One part of the Chavadi has a large portrait of Baba along with a wooden bed and a white chair belonging to him.

Maruti Mandir - There is a Maruti Mandir located at some distance from the cottage of Abdul Baba. This mandir was visited by Baba for the sat-sang with Devidas, a Bal yogi, who lived at the Mandir ten to twelve years before Baba arrived. There are also temples of village deities named Shani, Ganapati, and Shankar that are worth visiting.

Cottage of Abdul Baba - There is a cottage of Abdul Baba, an ardent devotee of Shri Sai Baba, in front of the Chavadi. Photos and various items that were handled by Sai Baba and Abdul Baba are there in the cottage.

Best time to visit Shirdi - September to April

How to Reach Shirdi?

By Air - Nearest airports are Mumbai (260 km), Pune (185 km), and Aurangabad (125 km).
By Rail - The nearest railway station is Manmad (60 km) on the Central Railway.
By Road - Shirdi is very well connected by a network of roads and road transport to all major towns of Maharashtra and surrounding areas.