Places for Darshan at Shirdi
1. Khandoba Mandir : This Temple is located near Shree Saibaba Hospital on Nagar-Manmad road.When the marriage party of Chand Patil’s wife’s nephew came to Shirdi,they had taken shelter under the banyan tree located near this Temple.When Shree Saibaba,Who had accompanied this marriage party,alighted with others in the open ground of this Temple,the Pujari of the Temple welcomed this young Ascetic with the words “Ya Sai” (”Come Sai”).
2. Gurusthan : Baba was first spotted here (within Samadhi Mandir Complex) when He was a lad of sixteen.Baba used to refer to this spot as His Guru’s (Mentor’s) location.The famous Margosa (Neem) tree,refered to in Shree Sai Satcharita stands here.It is the experience of devotee that if they burn incense here on Thursday and Fridays,their ailments get cured.
3. Sai Baba’s Samadhi Mandir : Baba’s Sacred Body has been laid to eternal rest (Samadhi) here.The edifice of this main Mandir (Temple) was constructed with Baba’s blessings,by Shri Gopalrao Butti of Nagpur,an ardent devotee of Baba.It is therefore also known as ‘Butti Wada’.Baba’s beautiful lifesize idol is installed near His Samadhi in this shrine.All rituals,comprising Pooja,Abhishek and daily four Aaratis are performed here.
.Dwarkamai (Masjid) : This was Baba’s abode(located within Samadhi Mandir Complex) continously for sixty years till He took Samadhi.Baba blessed innumerable devotees here.The Sheela (Stone),on which Baba used to sit is located in Dwarkamai.The sacred Fire (Dhuni) lit by Baba is also eternally burning here.Baba used to give Sacred Udi (Ash) from this Dhuni to his devotees to fulfil their wishes.Even now,Udi distributed to devotees is from this Dhuni.Baba used to cook food here and distribute it among His devotees.
5.Chavadi : Chavadi is located nearby on the eastern side of Samadhi Mandir Complex.On every alternate day,Baba used to proceed in procession from Dwarkamai to Chavadi at night and sleep there.Even now,on every Thursday,Baba’s Photo,Holy Padukas (Foot-wear) and Sataka (Baton) are taken in Palanquin Procession to the Chavadi between 9.15pm and 10pm.
6.Others Samadhis : Samadhis of Shri Tatya Patil Kote,Shri Bhau Maharaj Kumbhar,Shri Padmanabha iyer,Shri Nanawali and Shri Abdul Baba,who were Baba’s ardent devotees and were closely associated with Him during His life time,are located within Samadhi Mandir Complex,near Lendi Baug.
7.Lendi Baug : Baba used to go for a stroll to this Baug (Garden),which is located within Samadhi Mandir Complex.Nanda Deep (Sacred Oil Lamp) is kept continously lit near the Pipal tree planted by Baba Himself in this Garden.A small Datta Mandir is also situated in this Garden.Baba’s beloved horse Shyamkarna (Shyamsunder) was laid to eternal rest here.There is also a Well,called “Baba’s Shivadi” in this Garden.
8.Besides the forgoing,there are three other Temples located within Samadhi Mandir Complex:Shri Ganesh Temple,Shri Shani Temple and Shri Mahadeo Temple.
9.Museum Hall : Valuable things used by Baba during his time are drinking vessel (Tumbrel),Baba’s Paduka (footprints),Baba’s Satka,Grinder,Gramaphone,Bowl of Hukka,Horse bridle-habiliments,the kaphani and Sandals worn by Shri Sai Baba and the original photograph of Lord Sai.All these Valuable things are kept in the museum Hall for Sai devotees.
