Shirdi Sai Baba Temple

Sai Baba was a Sufi Saint from the 18th century who is worshipped by people of all caste and communities. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is the most famous temple of Sai Baba in India. The temple is located in Shirdi, a small town in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. Devotees from all around the world visit the temple to get the blessings of Baba and his grace in their lives.

Establishment of Shirdi Sai Baba Temple

The temple was made to spread the preaching and messages of Sai Baba to the world. Baba first arrived in Shirdi when he was 16 years old boy. At that time, he used to meditate under a Neem tree. All the people of the town were spellbound by seeing such a young boy meditating. He was called Sai by a local priest, Mahalsapati, who recognized Baba as Muslim Saint.

There are no records about the real name and date of birth of Sai Baba. No one knew exactly which cast he was from. However, in his lifetime, he always tried to bring Hindu and Muslim together. The temple in Shirdi covers 200 sq. meters. It includes the place where Baba used to meditate.

Once Baba told the people to dig the place where he was meditating. Om digging deeper, people found a Diya lighting under the ground. All people were amazed by seeing this miracle. Baba told the people that it was the place of his Guru. Since that time, no one has touched the flame, and it is still lit in the same place.

People come to witness this flame from all over India and on major occasions like Guru Purnima, Rama Navami, and Vijayadashami.

The temple is made for everyone regardless of his caste or religion. Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and Zoroastrian all visit the temple to remember Baba. Sai Baba always advised people to diminish religion’s illusion, and he said, “God is One.” However, he never stopped anyone from following his religion.

In the temple, a Dhuni is always there that is the sacred ash of the fire. When Baba lived in the Dwarkamayi mosque, he used to light up the fire known as Dhuni and save its ash, which is called Udhi. He believed that Udhi could heal all people’s ailments to give them a healthy and happy life.

When visiting the temple in Shirdi, they become fortunate enough to receive this Udhi as the ultimate blessing of Baba.

Inside the Temple

The temple is made on 200 sq. meters, including the prime shrine of Sai Baba and several other temples.

Khandoba Temple – in this temple, Sai Baba was given the name “Sai.”

Gurusthan –this is the place where the neem tree was located where Baba used to meditate. It is the same place where the flame is lit.

Dwarkamai – it is the mosque that Baba gave a Hindu name to bring Hindu and Muslim together. After moving from the neem tree, Baba used to live in this mosque. He performed several miracles there and attracted the devotees.

Chavadi – when Baba was in his last days, he used to sleep at this place on alternate days.

Lendi Gardens – Sai Baba often visitedLendi gardens to meditate.

Samadhi Mandir – Shirdi wale Sai Baba was buried in the temple. Over his grave, his idol is made of white marble.

Festivals in Shirdi Sai Baba Temple

Rama Navami – on the day of Rama Navmi, the temple encounters a huge festivity celebrated by both Hindus and Muslims. The Dwarkamai mosque flags are replaced, and the sack of wheat is replaced too, and the old ones are sent to the Prasadalaya.

Guru Purnima – this is another grand day to celebrate and Honor the Guru, the Sai Baba. Devotees visit Shirdi in July and seek his blessings on this day.

Vijayadashami– Vijayadashami has many legends, but in Shirdi, it is the day when Sai Baba left his body and departed to heaven. Devotees visit the temple to memorize Baba and to express gratitude for his sayings and miracles done for humankind. Brahman Bhojan is arranged with Guru Dakshina.

Visit the Shirdi Sai Baba temple and remove all the negativity from your life. Create good karma, so no hurdles keep you from succeeding.

 Those who want instant answers to their questions can head to Sai Baba Prashnavali and Ask Sai Baba your questions.