Shirdi is a popular pilgrimage in Ahmednagar welcoming millions of devotees from across the world. Devotees come to this holy city to seek blessings from Sai Baba, a 19th-century saint and sadguru who preached love, compassion, and devotion. The Sai Baba temple in Shirdi was built in his honour in 1922 by one of his ardent devotees, Shrimant Gopalrao on the instructions of Baba. While the work for the temple started while Baba was alive, he passed away and his body was placed in the central shrine which was originally meant for Murlidhar. If you haven’t visited the temple before, here are a few reasons you must plan a trip sooner. And if you are looking for a travel agency in Chennai to arrange a tour to Shirdi, visit Vaigai Wings.
Sai Baba Preaches a Unique Motto
Sai Baba firmly believed in the concept of One God, Many Forms. Throughout his life, he embraced Islam and Hinduism through his teachings and faith. In fact, his entire life is an example of non-duality. As earlier said, Baba’s life revolved around mutual love and respect for fellow human beings. He preached universal brotherhood and religious tolerance.
One of his main teachings, Sabka Malik Ek, translates to God is One. It signifies that God belongs to no religion or caste. He does not have any shape or form and is above everyone. Among his other teachings are Shradha and Subari, meaning Faith and Patience. In fact, these are the two cardinal principles preached by the Baba to his devotees qualities that must be ingrained in seekers looking to walk on the path of Sai Baba.
Sai Baba Is Famous for Answering Prayers of Devotees
Throughout his life, Sai Baba showered his love to his followers not by his teachings, but by answering their prayers. Anyone who asks Baba for his blessings will be showered with love. Millions of people who visit the temple are witnesses to his miracle. In fact, Baba famously said that he has no heirs, but will answer the prayers of all his devotees even from his Samadhi.
The Aarthis Are Mesmerising
Every Sai Baba devotee must witness a Shiri aarthi at least once in his life. It is a sight to witness thousands of devotees singing Sai Bhajan in chorus and ringing bells along with the priest. Four aarthis happen daily people queue up for 3 to 4 hours before every aarthi. The Kakad Aarthi, performed at 5.15 in the morning, is the most popular of all. Other aarthis are held during the day, including the one at noon, the dhoop aarthi at sunset, and the final Shej Aarthi held at 10.30 pm. After the aarthi, devotees are offered butter and sugar as Prasad.
Shirdi Is Beautiful on Special Occasions
While devotees visit Shirdi almost every day, the temple is crowded on special occasions like Ram Navami, Guru Purnima, and Vijayadashami. In 1897, when a devotee wanted to hold an Urus for Saibaba. But Baba agreed to the Urus only on the condition that it is celebrated on Ramnavami to bring the Hindu and Muslim community together. Today, Ramnavami is one of the most important festivals in Shirdi wherein an old sack of wheat that’s placed in Dwarkamai is changed along with the flag. Gurupurnima is another important festival in Shirdi with Vyasa puja being the highlight event of the day.
How To Visit Shirdi?
At Vaigai Wings Travel Agency in Chennai, we arrange IRCTC tours to Shirdi every Wednesday. The train leaves MGR Chennai Central at 10.30 am and arrives at Shirdi the following day at 11.30 am. You will stay at a comfortable hotel and complete the Darshan the following day. You can also visit neighbouring temples like the Shani Shingarpur Temple, Triyambakeshwar Temple, etc.
Things To Remember When Visiting Shirdi
- Thursday is dedicated to Guru and is considered a special day for Sai Baba. If you are looking to avoid crowds, we suggest avoiding Thursdays.
- You may have to wait for 3 to 4 hours in the queue, especially before the aarthi for darshan. You can skip the queue with a VIP pass or book an aarthi online.
- Electronic gadgets including mobile phones and cameras are not allowed within the temple.
Visit us if you are looking for a travel agency in Chennai to arrange your Shirdi pilgrimage.