Friday, July 6, 2012

Darshan

Having a Darshan or a look at Shri Saibaba, when in Shirdi is heavenly in itself. The sheer calmness and serenity that peeps through the white marble statue of this saint hypnotizes you and initiates you into a mystical and spiritual journey that imparts a new meaning to your existence.

With thousands of devotees that queue up to have a look at this heavenly visage, the timings for Darshan are fixed by the Sai temple authorities. You must get acquainted with this before you go for a darshan of Shri Sai Baba.

Samadhi Temple that houses the statue of Shri Saibaba opens for public Darshan at 5am, when the temple opens. You need to be there well before 4am since a long queue is already there for a moment's glance of Sai Baba. It is the time when "Utha utha Sakala Jana" a melodious prayer is played on audio cassette. Exactly at 5.15am Kakad arati begins as a request to Lord Sai to wake up and give His merciful glances to His devotees.

After the Kakad Aarati, the Samadhi and the Idol of Shri Sai is offered Mangal Snan (Holy bath) with milk, curd, honey, sugar, ghe and warm perfumed water. After this Baba is offered Shodashopachar pooja leading to aarti. From 7.10am you can have full darshan of Shri Saibaba and also make offerings such as flowers, garlands, coconut, sweets, etc. Saibaba darshan continues till 11.45am.

Between 12 and 12.30pm Mahadhyan aarti or Noon arati is performed. After this aarti, once again Sai darshan begins and devotees line to have a glance of Sai Baba. Darshan continues through Dhup aarti or Sunset aarti. The timings of Dhup aarti changes as per the orientation of Sun and thus it changes through different seasons.

After Dhup aarti, at around 10am Shej aarti is done, which is the preparation for Saibaba to retire for the day. The temple is closed by 10.20pm. You can have regal darshan of Saibaba's padukas or sacred footwear on Thursdays and on special days. During these times a majestic procession is held in all pomp and show with Saibaba's padukas kept along with his portrait is carried in a royal palanquin from Samadhi Mandir to DwarkaMai and Chawri.

Tips for Sai Devotees

Shirdi attracts thousands of pilgrims every day. Devotees as well as simple tourists looking for spiritual gateway throng this holy land of Shri Saibaba. With such a large number of people at this small place, mostly ignorant of the place and culture of the region, the devotees must know some of the tips when they are in Shirdi.

Shirdi attracts thousands of pilgrims every day. Devotees as well as simple tourists looking for spiritual gateway throng this holy land of Shri Saibaba.

The first 'darshan' of the day, resumes after the morning program of worship (Morning aarti, Mangal Snan, Shodashopachar ) at around 7am. During this Darshan you can make offerings.

Prior registration is mandatory before you make any offering at the temple. Each gift item must be registered in the Donation Office of the temple.

Devotees can donate cash either in the Donation Office (with due receipt) or put it directly into one of the donation boxes, placed at all important places of temple complex.

Photography of any kind still or moving is strictly prohibited during Mangal Snan (Holy bath) of Baba and Aartis (all four aartis). Devotees may take photographs during the hours of darshan only, for video recording a prior permission of the Temple-in-charge is a must.
There is by and large no restriction on darshan during the day in Dwarkamai masjid, Chawri, Gurusthan and Nanda deep except a few minutes while attending to the dhuni or offering food to Shri Sai.

In Chawri ladies are not allowed to enter the section where Baba used to retire to sleep in old times.

The main temple (Samadhi Mandir) is open from 5am to 10.30pm, where as Dwarkamai masjid, Chawri, Gurusthan are closed around 8.30pm.

On the main day of celebrations on important occasions like Ram Navami, Dussehra, Guru purnima the temple is open throughout the night for darshan.

On every Thursday 'Palki' procession takes place at around 9.15 p.m. from Samadhi Mandir to Dwarkamai and then to Chawri.

All the priests and workers in the temples are employees of the Shirdi Sai Sansthan. Therefore, no gifts or donations should be offered to them.

Be cautious about the prices while taking the garland, coconut etc (as a package) from the nearby shops. You may avoid being overcharged by them.

Avoid the touts for getting an accommodation. It is advisable to approach any hotel/lodge directly. There is a wide choice of hotels/lodges in Shirdi, suiting the budget of all.

Shirdi Travel Tips

Location: Ahmednagar district, Maharashatra
Climate: Dry Climate
Temperature: Max - 400C, Min - 70C
Languages: Marathi, Hindi and English
Best time to visit: June to August (Monsoons)
Special Day: Every Thursday
Attractions: Samadhi Mandir, Guru Sthan, Khandoba Temple
Nearest Airport: Aurangabad (144km)
STD Code: 02423

Shirdi is among the top in the World's spiritual map. Located in Ahmednagar in Maharashtra, Shirdi is thronged by thousands devotees from across the world, every day. Shri Saibaba being the living deity of this small place, it is the complete faith and conviction over Saibaba that invites pilgrims and other tourists to Shirdi.

Some of the traveling tips while you come to Shirdi are always handy and useful. The sacred abode of Shri Sai Baba at Shirdi is easily accessible from all the corners of India and even from all the major cities of the world. If you are coming from outside India, the nearest International airport to Shirdi is Mumbai. From Mumbai you could take private taxis, board a bus directly to Shirdi. You can also catch a train from VT to Manmade station. Here you will have to take a bus or cab to reach Shirdi. For domestic pilgrims, you could reach up till Nashik or Aurangabad by air and then you will have to get to Shirdi by bus or cab.

Plan your time to visit Shirdi well in advance, because this is no ordinary tourist site, instead a holy land and so your trip to Shirdi could be more of a spiritual journey. You can enrich your visit during the three major festivals that are celebrated with great fervor and excitement. You can come here on Ramanavami held in March/April. Trip down to Shirdi on Guru Purnima held in July. Vijayadashmi which is also celebrated in Shirdi as Shri Sai Punyatithi is held in October and surely offers another big time to come here.

As a travel tip you must know that in Shirdi accommodation is never a problem. There are hotels of all levels. Five star, three star, simple budget accommodations, you name it and Shirdi has it.

The weather at Shirdi is generally dry and Monsoons are quite pleasant with scanty rains and cool breeze. Winter is quite cold but never harsh. You can come to Shirdi during Monsoons that is between June and August.

Hotel Goradia's, Shirdi

Hotel Goradia's, Shirdi

Ratings: 4 Star

Address:
Pimpalwadi Road, Behind Sai Udyan, Shirdi - 423109, Maharashtra, India.

Accessibility:
120 km. from Aurangabad Airport, 60 km. from Manmad Railway Station, 15 km. from Kopergaon Railway Station.

Locational Advantage:
Hotel Goradia's is centrally located in the shadow of Sai Baba's Temple.

Hotel Description:
Hotel Goradia's is a 4 star hotel located in the shadow of Sai Baba's temple. The hotel is situated at a stone's throw from the famous shrine of Sai Baba. Hotel Goradia's, a fashionable luxury hotel setting international standards of hospitality and comfort, is an exclusive haven of solitude and luxury. The hotel was established in 1989 and it is already well known and popular amongst the devotees coming to Shirdi.

Accommodation at Hotel Goradia's, Shirdi:
Goradia's Hotel offers 80 well-furnished Double Rooms and 160 beds. All the 80 rooms are air-conditioned. The rooms at the hotel are spacious, cozy and comfortable. Each guest room is fitted with a color television, in-house movies, 4-channel music, air-conditioning, a direct-dial telephone and a private toilet and shower with hot and cold running water.

Amenities & Services at Hotel Goradia's, Shirdi:
Specialty restaurant, 24 hours room service, satellite channels, 4 channel music system, automatic wake up calls, meeting, banquet & conference facilities, valet parking, safe deposit lockers, doctor on call, travel desk, car rental, children play park & rides, color television in all rooms, laundry service, 24 hour hot & cold water, car rentals & travel desk, shopping arcade, valet parking, internet & e-mail facility, 24 hour check-out, left luggage room, fax facility, free accommodation for drivers, doctor on call, pool table, video-games, indoor games, all major credit cards accepted, no service charges.

Hotel Shraddha Park Inn, Shirdi

Ratings: 3 Star

Address:
Pimplewadi Road, Shirdi - 423109, District - Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India.

Accessibility:
120 km. from Chikkalthana Airport, 123 km. from Nasik Railway Station, 60 km. from Manmad Railway Station.

Locational Advantage:
Hotel Shraddha Park Inn is located at the foot of Sai Baba Temple, Shirdi.

Hotel Description:
Hotel Shraddha Park Inn is located at the foot of the Sai Baba temple. The hotel is located only 1/2 km. from the heart of Shirdi city and 10 minutes away from the Sai Baba Temple. Hotel Shraddha Park Inn epitomizes the peace and serenity expected by all devotees of Shri Sai Baba, who visit this temple town for spiritual enlightenment.

Accommodation at Hotel Shraddha Park Inn, Shirdi:
Shraddha Park Inn Hotel offers 75 Superior Rooms amidst lush green landscaped gardens. Every room is equipped with luxurious comforts & modern amenities including attached bath with running hot and cold water, CCTV, mini refrigerator, color television, direct dial telephones & 24 hours room service. The hotel has 3 swimming pools one indoor pool, one outdoor pool and one children pool.

Amenities & Services at Hotel Shraddha Park Inn, Shirdi:
Central air-conditioning, cable television in all rooms, direct dial phones, 24 hour rooms service, restaurant serving Indian and Chinese food, business services, photocopying, travel desk, parking, 24 hours running hot and cold water, laundry, fax, e-mail, internet access.

Hotel Sai Sahavas, Shirdi

Ratings: 3 Star

Address:
Opposite Gondkar Complex, Near Gautam Sahakari Bank, Pimpalwadi Road, Shirdi - 432109, District - Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India.

Accessibility:
130 km. from Aurangabad Airport, 90 km. from Nasik Railway Station, 75 km. from Shani Shingnapur, 19 km. from Kopergaon Railway Station, 1 km. from Shirdi Bus Stand.

Locational Advantage:
Hotel Sai Sahavas is located at a 3 minutes walk from the Sri Sai Baba temple.

Hotel Description:
Hotel Sai Sahavas, a 3 star hotel, is located at a walking distance from the Shri Sai Baba Temple, which gives the tourists and devotees an easy access to the temple. The hotel is designed to provide a 5 star experience to its visiting guests. Hotel Sai Sahavas, a hotel owned by Sai Motels & Resorts Ltd., is unique in every sense.

Accommodation at Hotel Sai Sahavas, Shirdi:
Sai Sahavas Hotel offers 46 elegantly furnished rooms with a view to provide utmost comfort to the visiting guests. The rooms are categorized into three categories - Executive Rooms, Deluxe Rooms and Suites. All the rooms are equipped with 24 hours hot & cold water and satellite television connection. The hotel also provides rooms for a short duration too. The attached multi-cuisine restaurant 'Siddhi' at Hotel Sai Sahavas offers an irresistible culinary delight amidst rustic environs.

Amenities & Services at Hotel Sai Sahavas, Shirdi:
Travel desk, bunker beds, ample parking space, 24 hours hot water facility, cable television connection, meditation / prayer hall, drivers accommodation free, multi cuisine restaurant serving Indian, Chinese or local cuisine, telephone, solar system and geysers for emergency, automatic generator backup, room service, laundry, fax, e-mail, internet access, special package rates & accommodation for groups / students / pilgrim groups.

Hotel Sai Leela, Shirdi

Ratings: 3 Star

Address:
9/5A, Pimpalwadi Road, Shirdi - 423109, Maharashtra, India.

Accessibility:
200 km. from Pune Airport, 16 km. from Kopargaon Railway Station, 80 km. from Nashik Railway Station, 50 km. from Manmad Railway Station, 270 km. from Mumbai.

Locational Advantage:
Hotel Sai Leela is located near the Sai Baba temple.

Hotel Description:
Hotel Sai Leela, a Sai devotee hotel, is located within 5 minutes walk from the Sai Baba temple. The hotel was established in 1989 with the prime purpose of providing comfort and services to the pilgrims and devotees of Sai Baba arriving at Shirdi for Sai Baba darshan and for paying homage to the great mystic.

Accommodation at Hotel Sai Leela, Shirdi:
Sai Leela Hotel offers 90 elegantly furnished rooms categorized into 4 Single Rooms, 70 Double Rooms and 16 Deluxe Rooms. All rooms have a private balcony with a panoramic view. Each room is elegantly furnished with comfortable beds, attached bathroom with running hot and cold water, 19" color television with satellite connection, direct dial telephone, wooden furniture, spacious closets and radio. The hotel has both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned rooms.

Amenities & Services at Hotel Sai Leela, Shirdi:
24 hours room service with no service charge, pool tables, table tennis, carom, video games, no tax on food, buffet service available for large groups, 24 hour security, 24 hour amenities shop, car wash facility at a nominal charge, free pick-up and drop to temple, a 6000 square feet swimming pool, water park facilities, slides and upcoming water gun pool, children's playground, luscious green gardens, cricket nets, basketball, volleyball, mini golf, putting course, cycling track and jogging track and nursery with plants for sale.

Hotels in Shirdi

Sun N Sand Shirdi   (5 Star)
Hotel Sun n Sand, the first and only 5 star hotels in Shirdi, is located close to the Sri Sai Baba temple.

Hotel Goradias Shirdi  (4 Star)
Hotel Goradia's, a fashionable luxury hotel setting international standards of hospitality and comfort, is an exclusive haven of solitude and luxury.

Hotel Sai Leela Shirdi  (3 Star)
Hotel Sai Leela, a Sai devotee hotel, is located within 5 minutes walk from the Sai Baba temple.

Hotel Sai Sahavas Shirdi   (3 Star)
Hotel Sai Sahavas, a 3 star hotel, is located at a walking distance from the Shri Sai Baba Temple, which gives the tourists and devotees an easy access to the temple

Shraddha Park Inn Shirdi    (3 Star)
Hotel Shraddha Park Inn epitomizes the peace and serenity expected by all devotees of Shri Sai Baba, who visit this temple town for spiritual enlightenment.

Shirdi Weather

Shirdi Weather

Climate: Dry Climate
Temperature: Max - 40º C, Min - 7º C
Monsoon: Scanty rains (June - August)

Shirdi is located in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra on latitude 19°45' N and longitude 74°25' E. This pilgrim spot has mostly dry climate and during summers the temperature can be quite volatile. During summers you can expect the temperature shooting as high as 40º C in the month of May. Winters can be cold in Shirdi, with January often showing temperature dipping to as low as 7º C.

Shirdi has the most pleasant weather during Monsoons, between June and August. It is the time when the surroundings of Shirdi turn fecund and greenery is all round. However, Monsoons in Shirdi are mild with scanty rains and hence they come as a pleasant respite that never gets ruined with excess of rains. In fact Monsoons are the best time when you can plan your visit to Shirdi. Amidst the drizzling you can pay homage to Saibaba and participate in all the activities without bothering about sweat.

Weather and overall climate of Shirdi is quite tolerable; however, those hailing from cold countries may find it slightly upsetting if they happen to tread in here in the summer. Wear comfy clothes with cotton fabric. Loose garments are preferable; one must respect India's dressing sense and they should not be offensive to anyone's sensibilities.

Festivals in Shirdi

Ramnavami : March/April
Guru Purnima : July
Shirdi Vijayadashmi (Sri Sai Punyatithi) October

RangoliFestivals are great time to visit Shirdi of Saibaba. There are three major festivals that are held in Shirdi attracting thousands of devotees from across the world. The three major festivals celebrated at Shirdi are Ramnavami, Guru Purnima and Shirdi Vijayadashmi. All these festivals are celebrated all across India with equal zest and excitement but at Shirdi they have some other significance. All these festivals have their special distinction to them in the way they are celebrated in the other parts of India. The distinction is the association of Saibaba himself which add to these festivals all new and exciting verve to them.

Ramnavami
Ramanavi is one of the most important festivals celebrated with great excitement and fanfare. In the year 1897 Goplarao Gund proposed holding in Urus in name of Saibaba in gratitude of a child which he was granted after so many childless years. Saibaba conceded to celebrate his urus on the condition that it be celebrated on Ramnavami. This was indeed an ingenious touch of Saibaba bringing together the Hindus and Muslims together. People may know Urus is a Muslim festival that is celebrated to honor a saint.

You can come to participate in Ramanavami at Shirdi, celebrated every year in March or April. This shows the kind of communal harmony that weaves people of different faiths at Shirdi. Ramnavami has equal and enthusiastic participation of both Hindus and Muslims. In Shirdi, two locally historic rituals are carried out during this festival. The sack of wheat that is kept in Dwarkamai is changed and the old one taken to prasadalaya to be used there, and secondly, the dwarkamai flags are replaced. This year that is in 2007, Shirdi is celebrating the Ramnavami from 26th to 28th of March.

Gurupurnima
Gurupurnima or Full Moon is also a wonderful time to visit Shirdi. It is the time to honor the Guru and seek his special blessing. Quite a significant festival in Shirdi Guru Purnima was the only festival which Saibaba has asked his devotees to celebrate. This is the time devotees all across the world converge in Shirdi to seek Saibaba's blessings. There is also Vyasa Puja that is held during Guru Purnima, in honor of Ved Vyasa who wrote the epic Mahabharata.

Shirdi Vijayadashmi
Vijayadashmi is a big festival in Shirdi, venerated as a holy day when Shri Saibaba left his mortal body for heavenly abode. The festival is also celebrated as Shri Sai Punyathithi in Shirdi attracting great number of devotees from all over the world. Various religious activities are arranged Great number of people flock to Shirdi during this Festival. During this festival 'Brahman Bhojan' is arranged with Dakashina (Donation to Guru). This year the festival is celebrated from 20th to 23rd October.

Sayings of Saibaba of Shirdi

Saibaba of Shirdi is revered as one of the greatest saints that India ever had. Worshipped as God incarnate, Saibaba had his sole mission to give blessings to one and all. Beyond the narrow boundaries of religions, castes, creeds Saibaba preached the universal religion of love. The sayings of Saibaba have been a rich resource of solace among the distresses lot of mankind. Devoid of any metaphysical intricacies and high sounding words, the sayings of Saibaba struck an immediate chord with people. Here are the eleven sayings of Shri Saibaba of Shirdi that has been the guiding principles for millions of his devotees across the world. Sayings of Saibaba of Shirdi
  • No harm shall befall him who sets his foot on the soil of Shirdi.
  • He who cometh to My Samadhi, his sorrow and suffering shall cease.
  • Though I be no more in flesh and blood, I shall ever protect My devotees.
  • Trust in Me and your prayer shall be answered.
  • Know that My Spirit is immortal. Know this for yourself.
  • Show unto Me he who sought refuge and been turned away.
  • In whatever faith men worship Me, even so do I render to them.
  • Not in vain is My Promise that I shall ever lighten your burden.
  • Knock, and the door shall open. Ask and ye shall be granted.
  • To him who surrenders unto Me totally I shall be ever indebted.
  • Blessed is he who has become one with Me.

Worship schedule Saibaba Temple

Worship schedule Saibaba Temple

Sai BabaHere is the daily program at Sai Temple at Shirdi. The worship schedule at Saibaba temple begins early in the morning that continues till late in night. The daily worship program includes various rituals and rites that go into invoking Saibaba, and the congregation of devotees who seek the blessings of Shri Saibaba. Dwarkamai, Gurusthan and Chavdi get open for the devotees at 4.30am and the Samdhi Mandir opens at 5am. With this temple is ready with prays and other rituals invoking Saibaba of Shirdi. At 9pm Chavadi and Gurusthan close. At 9.45pm the upper part of Dwarkamai closes. And finally at 10.45pm the Samadhi temple is closed till the next day.

4:30: Dwarkamai, Gurusthan, Chavadi open

5:00: Mandir opens, Bhupali, Abhishekam at Gurusthan

5:15: Kakad (morning) Arati, Naivedyam of butter and sugar to Baba in Samadhi Mandir, Oil offered to the lamps in Dwarkamai

5:40: Bhajan in Saibaba Mandir

6:00: Mangal Snaan (washing) of Statue and Samadhi in Samadhi Mandir

7:00: Darshan begins in Samadhi Mandir

9:00: Naivedyam in Samadhi Mandir and Dwarkamai

8:00 -10:30: Satyanarayana Pooja

11:30: Dhuni Pooja with rice and ghee in Dwarkamai

12:00: Mid day Arati

12:30: Naivedyam in Samadhi Mandir, Dwarkamai and Gurusthan

4:00: Pothi (Devotional reading/Study) in Samadhi Mandir Sunset: Dhoop (evening) Arati

6:30: Naivedyam in Samadhi Mandir, Dwarkamai and Gurusthan

8:00 - 9:00: Devotional Songs in Samadhi Mandir and other Cultural Programs (if any)

9:00: Chavadi and Gurusthan close

9:30: In Dwarkamai water is given to Baba, a mosquito net is hung and the hanging lamp is lit

9:45: Dwarkamai (the upper part) closes

10:00: Shej (night) Arati, 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

10:45: Samadhi Mandir closes after night Arati

Sai Baba's Devotees

Sai Baba's Devotees

Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi had a great impressionable personality which hypnotized those who came near him. With his miraculous power and simple teachings he had a host of ardent devotees who carried forward his teachings and philosophy to a wide gamut of society. Here we will discuss some of the most prominent devotees of Saibaba of Shirdi.

Sai Baba's Devotees Abdul Baba
Abdul Baba came to Shirdi in around 1890. He came here after a fakir who was inspired in his dream by Saibaba to bring Abdul Baba to Shirdi. On his coming to Shirdi, Saibaba greeted him by saying "My crow has come". A dedicated worker Abdul Baba took care of Baba's mosque and lit the lamps in Lendi. Baba took care of his welfare, and often had him reading aloud passages from the Koran.

Bayajabai Kote Patil
Bayajabai was Tatya's mother and the family had a close association with Baba, who he took as his sister. She had taken a vow that until Saibaba had her food she won't take food. Such was her devotion to Saibaba that she would carry food in a basket and went looking for him to feed him.

Bhagoji Shinde
Bhagoji Shinde suffered from leprosy and yet he was among the closest to Saibaba. He accompanied Saibaba to Lendi garden carrying a parasol to give him shade. Once Saibaba got hurt while thrusting his hands into dhuni, Bhagoji was the one who bandaged the wound and dressed him long after it had healed.

Das Ganu Maharaj
Dasganu was originally in police service and it was during this time that Nana Chandorkar took him to see Sai Baba. Das Ganu wrote about the lives of saints and composed kirtans (devotional songs) which he sang with great fervor.

Annasaheb Dabholkar
Most popularly known for being the author of the work The Sri Sai Satcharitra, Annasaheb Dabholkar was called Hemadpant by Saibaba after a well known poet of 13th Century. His work is a great insight into the life and philosophy of Saibaba.

Hari Sitaram Dixit
Hari Sitaram alias Kakasaheb Dixit was a prominent solicitor another of Saibaba's ardent devotees. Saibaba used to call him affectionately Langda Kaka and removed fear complex from his mind. Kaka Dixit was known for his obedience to Baba's orders.

Dadasaheb Khaparde
Hon'ble Mr. Ganesh Shrikrishna alias Dadasaheb Khaparde of Amraoti, an ardent devotee of Saibaba and was instrumental in bringing Loka Manya Tilak, the great freedom stalwart to Shirdi for Baba's darshan.

Laxmibai Shinde
Laxmibai Shinde was well-to-do woman, who worked in the masjid day and night. Except Bhagat Mhalasapati, Tatya and Laxmibai, none was allowed to step in the Masjid at night.

Bhagat Mahalsapati
Mahalsapati was the one who owes the name of Saibaba as we know it today. He uttered 'Ya Sai,' when Baba made His first appearance at the Khandoba temple along with the marriage party of Chandbhai. Saibaba used to call Mahalsapati 'Sonarda,' and later on 'Bhagat' i.e. close disciple.

Tatya Kote Patil
Tatya Kote Patil's family was one who loved Saibaba for Himself and not for what they got from His divinity. Tatya was the first amongst the devotees who had all the love of Saibaba.

Nanasaheb Chandorkar
Nana Chandorkar was among the most prominent devotees. A Deput Collector by profession, he had the distinction of being one of the very few disciples that Baba directly called to his side.

MadhavRao Deshpande
MadhavRao Deshpande was another of Saibaba's ardent disciples who was quite close of Saibaba.

Sai Baba Literature

Sai Literature

Sai Baba of Shirdi has been a great influence on literary mindscape of those who were inspired by his life and philosophy. He has been written about in volumes and bookshops are agog with Sai Literature. Books on Saibaba are immensely popular among people of all faith and tradition. The life, philosophy and all the things that were linked to this epoch making saint and guru has been the treasure trove for writing books that are always in demand. Here are some of the works that are written on him by different authors, which will be of your interest.
Shirdi Sai Baba
  • 108 Names of Shirdi Sai Baba, compiled by Vijaya Kumar
  • Ambrosia in Shirdi : 101 Experiences of Devotees when Sai Baba was Embodied, and 100 Experiences of Devotees after Sai Baba's Samadhi in 1918, by Ramalinga Swamy.
  • Shri Sai Satcharita (Enlarged Edition), by G.R.Dabholkar
  • The Blossom of Praise to Shri Sainath, (Shri Sainath Stavan Manjari), by Das Ganu
  • Children's Sai Baba, by D. L. Parchure
  • Devotees' Experiences of Shri Sai Baba (Statements of 81 Devotees Most of Whom had Seen Sai Baba), by B. V. Narasimhaswami,
  • Golden Words of Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi, by Ramalingaswamy, Munja
  • Guide to Holy Shridi, Shri Sai Baba Sansthan
  • Gurus Rediscovered : Biographies of Sai Baba and Upasani Maharaj of Sakori, by Kevin R.D. Shepherd
  • The Incredible Sai Baba (The Life and Miracles of a Modern Saint), by Arthur Osborne
  • Introduction to Sai Baba of Shirdi, by B.V. Narasimhaswami
  • The Life and teachings of Sai Baba of Shirdi, by Antonio Rigopolous
  • The Life and teachings of Sai Baba of Shirdi, by T.S. Anantha Murthy
  • Life History of Shirdi Sai Baba, by Ammula Sambasiva Rao, Sterling
  • Life of Sai Baba, by B.V. Narasimhaswami
  • A Mission Divine (novel on Shri Sai Baba), by R.S. Junnarkar
  • Pictorial Sai Baba, Sri Sai Baba Sansthan,
  • Sai Baba: The Master, by Acharya E. Bharadwaja
  • Sai Baba : The Perfect Master, edited by D.N. Irani
  • Sai Baba : The Saint of Shirdi, by Mani Sahukar
  • Sai Baba of Shirdi (Pictorial), by Indira Anantha Krishna
  • Sai Baba of Shirdi : A Unique Saint, by M.V. Kamath and V.B. Kher
  • Sai's Help, by B.V. Narasimhaswami
  • Santakathamrita, by Das Ganu, 1903
  • Shirdi Darshan (Pictorial), Sri Sai Baba Sansthan
  • Shirdi Diary of the Hon'ble Mr. G.S. Khaparde (events between 1910 December and 1918 March), Shri Sai Baba Sansthan,
  • Shirdi Sai Baba : An Epic, by Basavaraj Gunaki
  • Sree Guru Charita, by Gangadhara Saraswati
  • Shri Sai : The Superman, by Swami Sai Sharan Anand
  • Shri Sai Baba, by Swami Sai Sharan Anand
  • Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi, by Rao Bhhadur Moreshwar W. Pradhan
  • Sri Sai Baba's Charters and Sayings, by B.V. Narasimhaswami
  • Sri Sainath Sagunopasana, by K.J. Bhishma
  • The Eternal Sai, by S. Maneey
  • Sai Baba: The Perfect Master, Compiled from writings by Dr. A.G.Munsif
  • Shirdi Sai Baba in the Light of Sufism, by Marianne Warren

Sai Baba's Teachings

Sai Baba's Teachings

Sai Baba of Shirdi is the epitome of reverence a guiding force who generates supreme faith and confidence among his devotees looking for salvation and in quest of coming out of the drudgery of living. As a divine mother he is saturated with love for those who seek him. With his mission of making people about the divine consciousness and transcending the limits of mortal body, his teachings are guiding his devotees to the path of salvation. People are blessed who follow his teachings.

Sai Baba's TeachingsAmong the teachings of Sai Baba of Shirdi there are the cardinal principles of Sai Path called 'Shraddha' and 'Saburi'. Sai Baba looks for these two qualities in his devotees. Here are the teachings and philosophies of Sai Baba of Shirdi.

Shraddha
'Shraddha' is a Sanskrit word, which roughly means faith with love and reverence. Such faith or trust is generated out of conviction, which may not be the result of any rational belief or intellectual wisdom, but a spiritual inspiration. According to Sai Baba of Shirdi, steadfast love in God is the gateway to eternity. Baba's teaching, both direct and indirect explicate the significance of 'Shraddha'. Baba reiterates the spiritual guidance of Shri Krishna to Arjun - "Whosoever offer to Me with love or devotion, a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water, that offering of pure love is readily accepted by Me".

Saburi
'Saburi'; means patience and perseverance. Saburi is a quality needed throughout the path to reach the goal. This quality must be ingrained in a seeker from day one, least he looses his stride and leaves the path half way

Purity
For Sai Baba it was not the purity of the body but inner purity that mattered. No amount of physical and external cleansing would serve any purpose if the man remained impure in mind and heart. Therefore, Baba cautioned His devotees not to make austerity as an end itself, lest they should indulge in physical mortification.

Compassion
Himself an epitome of compassion and love, Sai Baba taught compassion among his disciples. Baba often told His devotees, 'Never turn away anybody from your door, be it a human being or animal'.

Complete Surrender to the Guru
Sai Baba put Guru on a high pedestal of reverence. For Him Guru was the profound base of the path of devotion. Pointing to his physical frame, "This body is my house. I am not here. My Guru (Master) has taken me away". He asked for complete surrender to the 'Guru'.

Sai Baba's Teachings through 'Udi' and 'Dakshina'

Udi
Udi or the sacred ash was produced from the perpetual fire called 'dhuni' lit by Sai Baba in Dwarkamai at Shirdi. Explaining the meaning of life He would refer to Udi and taught that like Udi all the visible phenomena in the world are transient. Through this example Sai Baba wished to make his devotees understand the sense of discrimination between the unreal and the real. Udi taught the devotees discrimination or vivek.

Dakshina
Sai Baba would demand 'Dakshina' or alms from those who visited him. This explained the sense of non-attachment to worldly things. Hence Dakshina taught the devotees non-attachment or Vairagya.

Sai Baba's Mission

Sai Baba's Mission

The spiritual guru and redeemer of mankind, Sai Baba of Shirdi has been one of the greatest influencing gurus of the Modern times. As among the most popular Indian saints with an ever growing following of devotees, Sai Baba inspires an unflinching faith on his devotees with his clear cut mission to provide not only a spiritual awakening, but also saving the mankind from suffering and ignorance.

MissionOf Sai BabaForsaking the worldly pleasure in his tender years Sai Baba came to Shirdi with a mission that sprang from the source of His free and redeemed spirit. His mission was self-allotted and that was to awaken the mankind to his true self and divine nature. He wanted to lead them to salvation by saving them from delusion and ignorance. Such is His benevolence that Sai Baba stands there eternally extending His helping hand to give solace to His children who are suffering and leading a wretched life devoid of any hope.

With the whole world under benevolence Sai Baba inspires an undying hope among the mankind. Thus, it is His sacred mission to awaken, elevate, transform and comfort His children. These may be the tangible missions of Sai Baba that ensure harmony all around. However, He had several bigger missions as well that encompassed the whole of universe and its administration including creation, sustenance and destruction. Ultimately, the mission of Sai Baba was to evolve human beings to the state of godliness, i.e., realizing the spiritual body in the mankind leading to their complete redemption and salvation. His powerful assurance 'Why fear when I am hear' has been the great source of strength among the ever growing number of Sai Baba's devotees.

Life of Shirdi Saibaba


Shri Saibaba of Shirdi lived between 1838 and 1918, whose real name, birthplace and date of birth are not known. An Indian spiritual guru and a fakir that transcended the barriers of religions, Saibaba of Shirdi was regarded with great reverence by both Hindu and Muslim followers. He lived in a mosque and after death his body was cremated in a temple.

Life Of Sai babaHis philosophy ingrained 'Shraddha' meaning faith and 'Saburi' meaning compassion. According to him Shraddha and Saburi were the supreme attributes to reach the state of godliness.

It is believed that at a tender age of 16 yrs Shri Saibaba arrived at the village of Shirdi in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra and remained their till his death. He found shelter in Khandoba temple, where a villager Mahalsapathi in the temple addressed him as Sai or Saint.

Saibaba of Shirdi lived an extremely simple and austere life, sleeping on the floor of temple and later taking a ruined mosque as his shelter. With his arrival to Shirdi, in no time he began exhibiting a hypnotic attraction among people as they began flocking to him. He is attributed many miracles doing things that were beyond a mortal's power. He never discouraged these attributes and soon his fame spread like wild fire. Many pilgrims came seeking his blessings. Such was his hypnotism that even the mundane of his activities attracted large crowds.

Popular among both Hindus and Muslims, Shri Saibaba became a great building force between the two disparate communities. He regularly recited Hindu and Muslim prayers. His Hindu followers considered him to be an avatar or reincarnation of Shiva and Dattatreya. Sai Baba did not leave any written works. All his teachings were oral and catchy. His sayings were short, crisp and in layman language with which the common mass could easily associate.

Saibaba encouraged charity and said, "Unless there is some relationship or connection, nobody goes anywhere. If any men or creatures come to you, do not discourteously drive them away, but receive them well and treat them with due respect."

Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi was unique in the sense that he lived his message through the essence of his being. He lived among the common people adorning a torn kafni (long robe), sleeping over a mat while using brick as his headrest and got his food by begging. Such was his smile that radiated a mystical charisma and deep seated inward look that hypnotized the people who visited him.

His most concise message for one and all alike was "Why fear when I am here".
Saibaba said that he was a slave in the service of those who loved him. He was ever living to help those who turn to him and that he has to take care of his children day and night.

Saibaba's mission was to restore belief in god and according to him, "I give people what they want in the hope that they will begin to want what I want to give them (knowledge of the Ultimate)." He then taught values of total surrender to the Almighty Master (ALLAH MALIK EK- The only ONE) and experiences his grace.

Today, Shri Saibaba has millions of devotees in India and abroad. Shirdi, the obscure village in Maharashtra has become a pilgrimage destination much as Bethlehem, Jerusalem or Varanasi. With over 25,000 pilgrims thronging in here each day the number of pilgrims climb to over a hundred thousand on holidays and festival days. There are over 2,000 major Sai temples in different parts of India and 150 abroad in places as far-flung as Canada and Kenya, Singapore and England.

Shirdi Map

Sai temple of Shirdi is among the top pilgrimage sites of the world. Shirdi is flocked by devotees and curious tourists who journey to this holy land of Shri Saibaba. Shirdi is based in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra and located on the latitude 19°45 N and longitude 74°25 E. We are presenting the Shirdi Map for your ready reference.

The temple premises is situated in the heart of Shirdi village and the temple complex is spread in approximately 200sqmts. On an average there is an inflow of over 20,000 devotees which reaches to a million during festivals. The temple has various important sacred sites associated with Shri Saibaba. These sites include Khandoba Temple, Gurusthan, Samadhi Mandir, Dwarkamai, Chavadi and Lendi Gardens. Go through the road map of Shirdi Sai Baba and explore the Sai land.



Shirdi Guide Map