Shirdi is one of the most sacred dwellings in India. Read this article to know more about the places to see, shopping areas in Shirdi etc.
Shirdi
| Location: |
296 km from Mumbai |
| Attractions: |
Samadhi Mandir of Shri Sai Baba |
| Best Time to Visit: |
On Dussehra and Rama Navami |
Shirdi is a small village situated in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. Shirdi is one of the holiest places in India and is a very popular pilgrimage spot. This place is famous for the shrine of 'Sai Baba', which is the main attraction for the devotees who visit Shirdi. Sai Baba, who belonged to 20th century, is known as one of the greatest saints to have walked on earth. This saint lived in Shirdi for most of his life-50 years or more. Sai Baba transformed this small village into a holy pilgrimage site for his devotees. Many tales of the renowned Sai Baba are associated with this village. His selfless love and dedication to the poor, earned him respect for which he is deified even now. It was in this consecrated place where he attained his 'Samadhi' or final abode. All activities performed here are associated to the large temple complex of Sai Baba. Today, devotees from all over the world make it a point to visit this site.
Places To See
In Shirdi, there are several sites of interest located nearby. 'Sakori' is a place that is located approximately 5 km from Shirdi. This place is known to be the home of the great 'Upasini Maharaj'. 70 km from Shirdi is a temple called 'Shanisinghnapur', devoted to 'Lord Shani'.
Shopping
The Samadhi Temple is surrounded by markets that specialize in flowers, idols, sweets, CD's and other souvenirs. The 'Shirdi Sansthan' is a popular market with a horde of shops that sell many items.
Eating Out
There is a 'Prasadalaya' run by the administrative body of the Shirdi temple, which provides food for all the devotees. Sanctified food packets (called 'Prasad') are given in food packets to the devotees all through the day. Here is a list of other eating options around Shirdi.
- Woodlands Restaurant
Opposite Sai Baba Mandir
- Sai Swad Restaurant & Dining
Near S.T Bus Stand
- Rajdhani Thali
Sai Complex
Pimplewadi Road
Accommodation
5 Star Hotels
- St. Laurn Meditation and Spa
S.No. 5/19, Rui-Shiv Road, Shirdi
- Sun N Sand Shirdi
Shiv Road, Nighoj Village, Taluka Rahata
3 Star Hotels
- Shraddha Inn
Pimplewadi Road, Shirdi
- Sai Miracle Inn
New Pimplewadi Road
- Hotel Om Sai International
Nimgaon, Shirdi
Budget Hotels
- Hotel Sai Ashish
Rui Shiv Road
- Hotel Kala Sai
Rahata
- Hotel Lee Grand
Pimplewadi Road
How To Reach
By Road
The distance between Mumbai to Shirdi is 296 km. There are state transport buses (MSRTC/MTDC) that run regularly from Mumbai. If one is travelling by car, it would take around 6 hours to reach Shirdi from Mumbai.
By Train
The nearest railway station to Shirdi is located at 'Manmad'. However, if you are coming from the CST in Mumbai, the major trains running are:
- Guwahati Special - leaves at 11:05 AM and the train takes around 3 ½ hrs. to reach. This train runs only on Tuesdays.
- Janshatabdi Special - departs at 6:30 AM on all days except Tuesday. The train takes around 6 hrs to reach.
- Shirdi Fast - leaves at 10:55 PM and takes 11 ½ hrs. This train runs on all days.
Shirdi is one of the most popular pilgrimage centers of India. Located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, this holy place is about 296 km from Mumbai. The Sai Baba shrine of Shirdi serves as the main attraction for devotees. As Shirdi is well-connected by road and rails, it is very easy to get to this place.
