Shirdi is a small pilgrimage town in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Over the years, Shirdi has become synonymous with Sai Baba and Shri Saibaba Temple. Sai Baba was a teacher and a spiritual guide who lived in Shirdi during the 19th and early 20th centuries, and the temple was built in his honor. A unique feature of this popular temple complex is that it also houses a mosque. The faith in Sai Baba transcends religions, and his teachings are just as relevant today as they were during his lifetime.
While India is a country with thousands of temples dedicated to a myriad of Hindu gods and goddesses, this is one of the few temples that is dedicated to a saint. Continue reading to gain a deeper insight into the divine Shri Saibaba and find the top places to stay in Shirdi.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 15, 2024.
History and significance of Shri Saibaba Temple
Who is Shirdi's famous Sai Baba?
Sai Baba was an Indian saint and spiritual teacher who first arrived in Shirdi at the age of 16. Although no one is sure of his birth date, he is believed to have been born around 1838 and passed away in Shirdi on October 15, 1918. The name Sai Baba can be roughly translated to Holy Father. Sai has its origins in the Persian language and is used to refer to a holy person, while Baba is the word for father in the Hindi language. No one has any knowledge about who his parents were, where he was from, or even when he was born. The people of Shirdi often saw him performing yoga asanas (poses) under a neem tree and described him as someone who looked young but had a divine soul.
He is said to have lived in Shirdi for three years before suddenly disappearing. He reappeared in the city of Aurangabad, 106 km (65.87 mi) away. He lived there for a few months and later returned to Shirdi at the age of 20.
Upon his return, he continued to live under the same neem tree before spending the rest of his life at a derelict mosque. Today, these places are known as Gurusthan (the place of the Guru or teacher) and Dwarkamai (the many-gated Mother), respectively.
Teachings of Saibaba
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Sai Baba believed in secularity and the power of faith that was not bound by religious differences. Continuing with this belief, Shri Saibaba Temple has remained open to people of all castes and religions since its inception.
He stated that God was one, and that the Hindu god Ram and the Muslim god Rahim were both the same. He also taught his devotees that yoga, penance, and attaining knowledge were the only true paths to lead one to God. Sai Baba encouraged his followers to do good to others and not strike back when evil was inflicted upon them.
Sai Baba did not believe in preaching or asking his devotees to follow particular rituals. Rather, he gave pieces of advice based on his own experiences and believed that it was possible for everyone to achieve self-realization. Sai Baba’s followers strongly believe that their wishes will never go unanswered if they continue to have faith in God.
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The emergence of Shirdi as a pilgrimage site
When Sai Baba first arrived in Shirdi, apparently out of nowhere, he was looked upon with curiosity. He appeared quite young, but his actions and behavior were like that of a person much older and worldly. Initially, he was regarded as a nobody, but as time progressed, the people of Shirdi witnessed him perform miracles and cure patients without medicine. Many devotees claimed to have been healed by the udi or the holy ash from the dhuni (a perpetually burning sacred lamp) that Baba kept lit in the mosque.
Soon, the stories of his miracles began to spread and people started to visit him from various parts of the country. Today, an average of 25,000 pilgrims visit the temple daily, and during the festival season, that number easily reaches 100,000.
Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust is responsible for the daily operations of the main Samadhi Temple along with all the other temples and structures within the premises. It also helps provide accommodation and meals for pilgrims.
Samadhi Temple
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This temple has quite an interesting story. It was initially constructed as a wada (a traditional mansion with a central courtyard) by Gopalrao Booty, an affluent Sai Baba follower. Incidentally, he had a vision of Baba in his dream, telling him to build a house and a temple. The original temple was meant to house the deity of Lord Krishna, a supreme Hindu God. Work on the complex began in 1915, and since it was built from stone, it began to be referred to as dagadi wada (house made of stone).
As the temple was nearing completion, Sai Baba’s health began to deteriorate. When he believed that he was near the end of his life, Baba asked to be carried to the dagadi wada. He passed away peacefully on the day of Vijayadashmi or Dusshera, a major Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It was incidentally also the Muslim holy month of Ramzan.
Sai Baba was buried at the very spot where the idol of Lord Krishna was to be placed. A photo of Sai Baba was also placed atop the tomb. An Italian marble statue of him was eventually installed on the day of Vijayadashmi in 1954. Today, it is this statue that is the main idol of reverential worship among Sai Baba devotees who visit the temple. The idol is given a daily bath and its clothes are changed four times a day before each aarti (ceremonial offering of lights to the God or deity accompanied by devotional songs).
Over the years, the current temple extended off the original structure to create more room for the thousands of daily pilgrims. While the temple is open daily from around 4:45 am to 11 pm, devotees are only allowed entry between 6:25 am and 10 pm.
What else is there to visit within the temple complex?
Lendi Gardens
These gardens were initially a wasteland bordered by two streams. However, it was a place that was visited by Sai Baba daily for contemplation. A devotee of Baba bought the land of Lendi Gardens and later donated it to the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, which helps manage the temple. Today, the garden features a beautifully landscaped lawn with a waterfall and flower beds.
The prime focus of the gardens is Nanda Deep, a perpetually burning fire that was lit by Sai Baba and continues to glow to this date.
Dwarkamai Mosque
The mosque was one of Sai Baba’s chosen places for spending the night for most of his life. It is also here that the sacred dhuni continues to burn. The udi is also considered sacred as it is the residue of the fire that was originally lit and tended to by Sai Baba himself. He used to apply the sacred ash on his followers and that practice continues to this day. Visitors can also purchase this ash as a blessing to take back home.
Sai Baba spent several hours each morning in a deep meditative state near the fire. Today, the area is marked with a pair of silver padukas (ancient Indian footwear made using a wood, ivory, or camel skin sole with a knob between the big toe and the second toe ).
Chavadi
One night, during a torrential downpour, the mosque where Sai Baba slept was flooded. He was then forced by his followers to move to a dry area and was requested to sleep in the Chavadi. This was originally a local office, but Sai Baba took to sleeping here on alternate nights after his first stay. The principal feature of this building is a painting of Sai Baba, which was created by a young painter after the saint appeared in his dreams.
This site holds importance as it is here that the custom of offering aarti to Sai Baba first began. His followers began holding an aarti when he arrived at Chavadi and again when he woke up in the morning. Nowadays, devotees can participate in this tradition when a grand ceremonial procession takes place every Thursday.
At 7:30 pm, Sai Baba’s satka (stick) and paduka are displayed near his tomb in the Samadhi Temple for devotees to pay their respects. These, along with the painting from Chavadi, form the highlight of this electrifying spectacle as they are moved from the temple at 9:15 pm and taken to Dwarkamai.
The richly decorated photo is placed on a silver palanquin, upon which it makes its approach to Chavadi. Once at Chavadi, the painting is placed on a silver throne and offered an aarti before making its final journey back to the temple for the night. The painting is returned to its original site the next day.
The Chavadi is open daily from 3:45 am to 9 pm.
The kitchen at Shri Saibaba Temple
Officially known as Shri Sai Prasadalya, it is one of the largest community-based mega-kitchens in the world. It is also the world’s largest solar-powered free kitchen. The main dining hall can accommodate 3,500 pilgrims, while the two additional halls can seat a further 1,000 each. The food served in the main hall is free of charge while the meals in the supplementary halls are charged a nominal amount of 50 INR (0.60 USD). Free meals are further distributed at several hospitals and schools in Shirdi.
On average, 60,000 people are served meals prepared in this kitchen. These numbers rise up to between 85,000 and 100,000 during festivals such as Vijayadashmi, which is celebrated as Sai Baba’s death anniversary. The food served in the halls is not considered an ordinary meal but is referred to as prasad or an offering made to God and later distributed among devotees.
Not only does the kitchen rely on solar energy, but it also collects the steam that is generated to help prepare meals. Any food waste is converted to renewable energy via a biogas factory installed within the premises of this mega kitchen. The dining halls are open daily from 10 am to 10 pm.
What is the best way to reach Shirdi?
Shirdi is well connected to the rest of the country by air, rail, and road services.
By Air
Although Shirdi is a small town, it is serviced by the Shirdi International Airport to meet the demands of a large number of devotees. There are multiple daily flights to and from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. A single-flight route is also available from Indore.
By Rail
Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station receives trains from all over the country. The station is serviced by daily trains from Mumbai.
By Road
It is also possible to drive to Shirdi from nearby cities such as Mumbai, Aurangabad, and Nasik. Sri Saibaba Temple is 240 km (149.13 mi) from Mumbai, 123 km (76.43 mi) from Aurangabad, and 93.9 km (58.35 mi) from Nasik.
Maharashtra State Transport buses, as well as private buses, are available from various cities in the state. Private air-conditioned buses also operate regularly from the nearby states of Gujrat, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
Along the route, visitors will encounter several devotees walking on foot. They are easily distinguishable by their orange t-shirts and the flags that they carry. These pilgrims are usually part of a large group that also includes a palanquin or a truck with a photograph or sculpture of Sai Baba. Devotional songs and chants are also a part of this procession. While Mumbai to Shirdi is the most popular route, devotees also walk from Hyderabad, which is about 680 km (422.53 mi) away.
What other attractions are there in Shirdi?
Sai Teerth Devotional Theme Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Embark on a divine odyssey at Sai Teerth Theme Park, where 11 iconic temples beckon. Immerse in spirituality,...
Posted by Sai Teerth on Tuesday, June 6, 2023
You might have visited a number of theme parks, but have you ever visited one centered around religion and spirituality? Sai Teerth Devotional Theme Park offers an interactive experience where devotees can learn more about Sai Baba.
Dwarkamai is an excellent show that relies on animatronics and robotics to recreate Sai Baba’s life. On the other hand, Teerth Yatra ride offers pilgrims a chance to virtually visit 10 of the most popular temples in India during an immersive train ride. Visitors will also enjoy informative laser shows here.
Wet N Joy Waterpark & Amusement Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
We have something for everyone!! From thriling water slides to relaxing wave pool!! #wetnjoy #wetnjoywaterpark #shirdisaibaba #funfamilytime
Posted by Wetnjoy Waterpark Shirdi on Tuesday, June 13, 2023
The fun never stops at this thrilling water park in Shirdi. Wet N Joy Waterpark & Amusement Park offers a total of 25 rides that cater to all age groups. Adventure seekers will love the gushing thrill of sliding down 90 ft (27.43 m) in the Anaconda, while families will love the Multi Play Station and the Lazy River.
Where to stay in Shirdi?
Top hotels in Shirdi (from USD 19)
Sai Palace Budget Hotel
Address: Opp Gate No 2, Pimpalwadi Road
166 meters (0.2 ft) from Sai Baba's Art Gallery , Hemant art (Sai Art Online)
Sun N Sand Shirdi Hotel
Address: Village Nighoj Shirdi , Shirdi City Center, Shirdi, India, 423 103
706 meters (0.5 ft) from Sai Baba's Art Gallery , Hemant art (Sai Art Online)
Sai Neem Tree Hotel
Address: Rui Shiv Road
641 meters (0.4 ft) from Sai Baba's Art Gallery , Hemant art (Sai Art Online)
Hotel Sai Vishwa
Address: Pimpalwadi Road
275 meters (0.2 ft) from Sai Baba's Art Gallery , Hemant art (Sai Art Online)
Top vacation rentals in Shirdi (from USD 41)
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
this place is quite clean and comfortablethe place is very nice and cleanhis place was extremely clean and maintained up to the standardmust tell host to clean the place before your check inHost:
the care takers were helpfuli hope the host takes due care of this for future visitorsthe host was responsive to messages before and during the stayamazing place great host will be staying here in futuresagar is a wonderful hostRead more reviewsLocation:
nice place best suited for large group of 10to 15 ppli would love to visit this place again on my trip to shirdihope to visit this place againgood cosy place to stay and nearby the shirdi temple so as to visit for sai kakad aarti
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we were looking for a glass with some amenities like gas stove utensils beds for my family which included an infantbathroom essentials can be taken care pros: 1good place in a nearby locale can be much better with a little attention to housekeeping toilets and kitchenCleanliness:
place was clean and very peacefulgood place and clean placewe feel cleanliness and upkeep could have been betterthe apartment was cleanthey have kept the place neat and clean before we checked inHost:
the host was friendly and provided clear instructionsthe caretaker was good and politehad to tell the staff to clean the place when we enteredRead more reviewsLocation:
good location and nice facilityyou mast booking apartment is nice locationvery close to the mandir and the society is very goodthe place is at a nice location not far from samadhi mandirsaburi apartment is a great place in a peaceful location
Seek blessings at Shri Saibaba Temple in Shirdi
Over the years, Shirdi has become a popular pilgrimage destination in India. Devout followers of Sai Baba travel from all across the country to seek the blessings of the saint who preached the belief in one God. This article can serve as your guide to the holy Shri Saibaba Temple and the top places to stay in Shirdi.
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