Shirdi - Discover the Spiritual Haven

Shirdi, a spiritual haven for pilgrims, is situated in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. Sai Baba, a 19th-century saint who united people of all religions, spent over 60 years here until he attained salvation in 1918. With a recorded population of over 36,000 people, this small city employs thousands of migrant workers and calms the spirits of devotees who wait for hours to receive the saint's graces. Although you don't have to be a follower or even a believer, you cannot deny Shirdi's economic and livelihood contribution to its people.

Apart from his shrine, the city has many temples, including Dwarkamai, Samadhi Mandir, and Chavadi. It is one of the most well-known Hindu sites of devotion in India and a significant destination for pilgrims.

Top Places to Visit in Shirdi

The most famous temple in Shirdi is the 'Sai Baba Temple', also known as Sai Baba Samadhi Temple. This was the final resting place of the spiritual figure of Sai Baba. This temple also provides accommodation facilities and free meals to the devotees. The Former Abode of Saibaba's Devotee, the Haji Abdul Babas Cottage, where Abdul Baba, a very prominent flower of Sai Baba, spent the last years of his life. This place is also a very popular place to visit in Shirdi. The holy site of Dwarkamai Shirdi is visited by many tourists daily. It is believed that it was once the home of Shri Sai Baba and holds a special place in Shirdi's people's hearts. Another interesting place you should visit is Shani Shingnapur, a Hindu pilgrimage site where the houses do not have doors and locks, and it is believed that Lord Shani will protect them from everything. Visit the Gurusthan temple with the ancient Neem Tree; it is said that this tree provided shelter to Sai Baba and has excellent healing powers.

Shopping Places in Town

Shirdi is a small town with great spiritual significance. The city does not have many markets and malls to shop from; you can buy Shirdi famous things like "Prasad" (holy offerings), small statues of Sai Baba, shawls, incense sticks, prayer beads, devotional clothing, and other pooja items. You can visit the places around the Sai Baba Temple, where you can spot many shops selling religious items outside the temple complex. Explore the local markets around the city to get a variety of souvenirs and local handicrafts.

Best Places to Eat in Shirdi

Visit the famous Prasadalaya in Shirdi, near the Shri Sai Baba temple, which serves the best Shiridi traditional food for free. This place gives all devotees free meals and has exceptional flavours with excellent hygiene. You can have Poha and Sheera or Poori for breakfast with Chana Masala. Lunch offers a thali with rice, curries, and Bhakri. Dinner includes Sabudana Khichdi and Bhajiya. It would be the best place in Shirdi to have your meals. However, few restaurants in Shirdi offer authentic food. Madhuban Saattvik Restaurant, The Grain Anaaj Restaurant, and the Sai Sagar Food Court are famous restaurants in the city that you can try.

Best Time To Visit Shirdi

The best time to visit Shirdi is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant with sunny skies, making it ideal to visit the temples and shop from the local market and roadside stalls. April to June has comfortable weather with frequent rains, which is also a great time to enjoy the picturesque beauty of the rain-soaked town and visit the revered temples. Pick the time that suits your preferences to have the best experience of this holy place.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which Airports serve Shirdi?

Shirdi Airport is an international airport serving Shirdi, Maharashtra. It is situated in Kakadi, about 14 km away from the town. It is the fourth-busiest airport in the state after Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur airports. The Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) owns the airport, which was inaugurated by President Ram Nath Kovind in October 2017.

How to commute from SAG to different parts of the city?

Autorickshaws shared autorickshaws, and local buses are the most popular ways to commute within Shirdi. You can easily travel to various parts of the city from the bus stop or railway station, including the main attraction, the Sai Baba Temple.

How many airlines serve Shirdi?

Shirdi Airport had two airlines, IndiGo and SpiceJet, operating direct flights to major cities in India.

How many destinations does SAG connect to?

Shirdi Airport connects many domestic destinations, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Indore, Vijayawada, and Delhi. The longest flight from Shirdi is a 395-mile non-stop route to New Delhi.

When is the cheapest time to fly to Shirdi?

The cheapest flights to Shirdi are from July to September when the weather is very hot and dry and there is heavy rainfall.

Things to do In Shirdi

Popular city Magnets of Shirdi.