About Shirdi
Shirdi is about 285 kms and 6 hours drive from Mumbai(Bombay). It is accessible by rail upto Nashik and Manmad and even by air upto pune/Aurangabad – and thence by road transport. Until 1918, Shirdi was a sleepy little village, tucked away in the interiors of Maharashtra. In that year, an old sage died leaving behind grieving villagers. Even today, the last few surviving elders of the village vividly recall the miraculous wonders of the sage. This revered sage was their mentor and prophet. His name was Sai Baba of Shirdi.
Sai Babas fame has spread far and wide. His devotees are scattered all over the world. They regularly visit Shirdi to pay their homage to this great Saint of Shirdi. Sai Baba preached no particular religion, he believed in and respected all religions. Sai Baba had just 11 Teachings to give his followers viz:
- Whoever puts his feet on Shirdi soil, his sufferings would come to an end.
- The wretched and miserable would rise into plenty of joy and happiness, as soon as they climb the steps of my Samadhi.
- I shall be ever active and vigorous even after leaving this earthly body.
- My tomb shall bless and speak to the needs of my devotees.
- I shall be active and vigorous even from the tomb.
- My mortal remains would speak from the tomb.
- I am ever living to help and guide all who come to me, who surrender to me and who seek refuge in me.
- If you look to me, I look to you.
- If you cast your burden on me, I shall surely bear it.
- If you seek my advice and help, it shall be given to you at once.
- There shall be no want in the house of my devotees.
Temple Timings
| Timing | Activities |
|---|---|
| 4:00 AM | Temple open |
| 4.15 AM | Bhupali |
| 4:30 AM | Kakad Aarti (morning) |
| 5:00 AM | Bhajan in Saibaba Mandir |
| 5:05 AM | Holy Bath of Shri Sai Baba (Mangal Snaan) in Samadhi Mandir |
| 5:35 AM | Aarti “Shirdi Majhe Pandharpur” |
| 5:40 AM | Darshan begins in Samadhi Mandir |
| 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Satyanarayana Pooja |
| 9:00 AM | Abhishek Pooja |
| 11:30 AM | Dhuni Pooja with rice and ghee in Dwarkamai |
| 12:00 PM | Mid day Aarti |
| 4:00 PM | Pothi (Devotional reading/Study) in Samadhi Mandir |
| 9:00 PM | Chavadi and Gurusthan closes |
| 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM | Devotional Songs in Samadhi Mandir and other Cultural Programmes (if any) |
| 9:30 PM | In Dwarkamai water is given to Baba, a mosquito net is hung and the hanging lamp is lit |
| 9:45 PM | Dwarkamai (the upper part) closes |
| 10:30 PM | Shej (night) Aarti, after this , a shawl is wrapped around the statue in the Samadhi Mandir, a Rudraksha mala is put around baba’s neck, Mosquito net is hung, and a glass of water kept there |
| 11:15 PM | Samadhi Mandir closes after night Aarti |
Abhishek Pooja Timings
| Batches | Timings |
|---|---|
| 1st Batch | 7.00 AM to 8.00 AM |
| 2nd Batch | 9.00 AM to 10.00 AM |
| 3rd Batch | 12.30 PM to 1.30 PM |
