Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
Also known as Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir
Samadhi shrine of Sai Baba of Shirdi, one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India today, drawing devotees of every faith.
Photos of Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple at a Glance
| Location | Shirdi, Maharashtra |
|---|---|
| Presiding deity | Sai Baba of Shirdi |
| Established | 1922 CE |
| Architecture | Modern |
| Timings | 04:00–23:15 |
| Best time to visit | October to March for weather; avoid Thursdays, weekends and festival days for shorter queues. |
| Address | Sansthan Marg, Shirdi 423109 |
About Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
Shirdi, a town in Maharashtra's Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar) district, is where the saint Sai Baba lived and taught from the late 19th century until his death in 1918. He is revered by Hindus and Muslims alike. His teachings of Shraddha (faith) and Saburi (patience), and his saying "Sab ka Malik Ek" (one God governs all), are central to the devotion that now draws huge numbers here.
The Samadhi Mandir, built over his tomb, is the heart of the complex, and it holds a marble statue of Sai Baba seated on a throne. The shrine is managed by the Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Trust.
History of Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
Sai Baba lived and taught at Shirdi from around 1858 until his mahasamadhi in 1918. The samadhi mandir was built over his tomb by a devotee, Shreemant Gopalrao Booty.
Architecture of Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
The Samadhi Mandir is a white marble structure that was begun in the early 1900s and has been added to since. A life-size marble statue of Sai Baba, made by the sculptor Balaji Vasant Talim, stands above the tomb.
Within walking distance are the sites linked to his life. Dwarkamai, the old mosque where he lived, has the sacred fire (dhuni) that he lit and that is still kept burning. Chavadi, where he slept on alternate nights, and Gurusthan, a neem tree where he is said to have first been seen, complete the circuit.
Rituals and Worship at Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
The day is marked by four aartis: Kakad (dawn), Madhyan (noon), Dhoop (sunset) and Shej (night). Devotees offer flowers, sweets and cloth, and the sacred ash (udi) from the dhuni is given as prasad.
Thursday, the day linked to Sai Baba, draws the largest weekly crowds. The big festivals are Ram Navami, Guru Purnima and Vijayadashami, the anniversary of his death, observed with continuous worship and processions.
Festivals Celebrated at Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
- Guru Purnima
- Ramnavami
- Vijayadashami (Punyatithi)
Visiting Shirdi Sai Baba Temple: Planning Your Trip
Darshan queues can be several hours on Thursdays, weekends and holidays. Book darshan and aarti passes through the Sansthan's official website, and use the free meals at the Sai Prasadalaya, one of the largest free kitchens in India.
Shirdi has its own airport and railway station. Many pilgrims combine the visit with Shani Shingnapur, around 70 km away, and with Trimbakeshwar and Nashik.
How to Reach Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
Nearest airport is Shirdi (14 km). Well connected by trains and buses to Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik.
Temples Near Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
- Grishneshwar TempleMaharashtra · about 79 km in a straight line
- Trimbakeshwar TempleMaharashtra · about 101 km in a straight line
- Bhimashankar TempleMaharashtra · about 125 km in a straight line
More Temples in Maharashtra
- ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari TempleMaharashtra
- Shree Siddhivinayak TempleMaharashtra
- Mumbadevi TempleMaharashtra
- Mahalakshmi TempleMaharashtra
- Vithoba TempleMaharashtra
Frequently Asked Questions about Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
Where is Shirdi Sai Baba Temple located?
- Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is located at Sansthan Marg, Shirdi 423109, in Shirdi, Maharashtra, India.
Who is the presiding deity at Shirdi Sai Baba Temple?
- The presiding deity at Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is Sai Baba of Shirdi (also known as Shirdi Sai), worshipped in the Syncretic tradition.
What are the timings of Shirdi Sai Baba Temple?
- Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is generally open 04:00–23:15. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Shirdi Sai Baba Temple built?
- Shirdi Sai Baba Temple was established 1922 CE. Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Shirdi Sai Baba Temple?
- Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is built in the Modern style, characteristic of Sai Baba of Shirdi shrines of this region.
Which festivals are celebrated at Shirdi Sai Baba Temple?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Shirdi Sai Baba Temple include Guru Purnima, Ramnavami, Vijayadashami (Punyatithi). These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Maharashtra and beyond.
How can I reach Shirdi Sai Baba Temple?
- Nearest airport is Shirdi (14 km). Well connected by trains and buses to Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik.
Why is Shirdi Sai Baba Temple significant?
- Samadhi shrine of Sai Baba of Shirdi, one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India today, drawing devotees of every faith.
What is the best time to visit Shirdi Sai Baba Temple?
- October to March for weather; avoid Thursdays, weekends and festival days for shorter queues.