Shirdi is a small hamlet situated in Amednagar district of Maharashtra. It is a popular pilgrim place and is famous for its Sai Baba Temple. This significantly contributes to travel and tourism, as thousands of pilgrims visit the place from different corners of the world. This place is named after a hermit, who is held in great regard by both Hindus and Muslims. He came to this village, as a sixteen year old boy. People started believing him to be an incarnation of God and called him Sai or saint. An ardent devotee built the Sai Samadhi Mandir here, which has become the nerve center of religious activities in the state.

Tourist Attractions

The major tourist attraction in Shirdi is Shri Sai Baba Temple. Built by an ardent devotee of Sai Baba, the temple is thronged by thousands every year. The temple houses a life size statue of Sai Baba, made of Italian marble. He can be seen seated on a giant throne with a silver umbrella over his head. The temple also showcases various pictures depicting his life and also various effects used by him. Another shrine dedicated to Sai Baba here is Shri Gurusthan Mandir. It is believed to be the same place, where Shri Sai first appeared in Shirdi, at the age of sixteen.

It is considered to be the Gurusthan of Sai Baba (seat of the teacher), hence the name. The Neem (Margosa) tree located here is even mentioned in Sai Sat-Charitra. Devotees' burn incense sticks at the Shri Gurusthan Mandir, in order to get their wishes fulfilled. Another holy shrine is Dwarkamai. It is the mosque where Sai Baba stayed, when he came to Shirdi for the second time. Situated towards right side of the temple, it still preserves the rock where Sai Baba used to sit. The eternal flame lighted by Baba is kept alive since then and vibhuti (sacred ash) is distributed amongst devotees.

Every Thursday, a palanquin procession of Baba's Photo, Holy Padukas and Satka is taken to Chawadi. Here, a huge portrait of Baba, along with his wooden bed and white chair are preserved. Lendi Baug is the garden where Baba used to go to water plants. There is a Neem tree here, under which a diya (lamp) used to be lit by him. It has now been converted into a marble lighthouse, where the lamp continues to burn. One of the revered places in the town is Samadhi of Abdulbaba. It is the grave of the person, who used to read holy Quran to Baba. Since Abdulbaba was a devoted disciple of Baba, his Samadhi is situated in the premises of Sri Sai Baba Temple.

Just a few minutes from Abdulbaba's cottage, Maruti Temple is situated. Sai Baba visited this temple regularly and even conducted satsangs, along with Devidas - a Bal Yogi. Other places worth visiting in Shirdi are Shri Ganesh Temple, Shri Shani Temple, Shri Mahadev Temple, Shri Tatya Kote Samadhi, Nana Walli's Samadhi, Bhau Kumbhar's Samadhi, etc.

How to Reach
By Air: The nearest Airport to Shirdi is situated at Nashik. Just 75 km away, it is well connected to all the major cities of the state and the country.

By Rail: The nearest rail head from Shirdi lies at Kopergaon, which falls on the Daund-Manmad Line. The Manmad railway station 58 km away, also facilitates reaching to the sacred town.

By Road: The holy town lies on the Ahmednagar-Manmad Highway, which makes it quite accessible by road. State Transport and private buses connect it to key cities in Maharashtra and the neighboring states.