About Shirdi

Shirdi is a town in the state of Maharashtra, in western India. It's known as the former home of revered spiritual leader Sai Baba, and as a major pilgrimage site. Devotees gather daily at the Sai Baba Temple complex to honor his legacy. Here, the Samadhi Mandir shrine has an ornate marble statue of Sai Baba, alongside his tomb. Close by are Dwarkamai, a mosque where Sai Baba once lived, and tree-lined Lendi Garden.

Architecture

The Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir is a visual treat. While the Shree Sai Baba Mandir is built with stone, the samadhi mandir is constructed with white marble. The samadhi is surrounded by a fence, also made of white marble and wholly festooned with patterned decorations. There are two pillars made of silver, decked with exquisite designs in the lead of the samadhi. Behind it is a huge figurine of Sai Baba sitting on a throne. The sculpture is made of Italian marble and was sculpted by late Shri Balaji Vasant.

Food

The local food of Shirdi mostly includes pure vegetarian food. This being a religious place, the people here are generally vegans. The prasadalaya in the Shri Saibaba Sansthan is very popular among devotees, not just out of spirituality but also because the food is very delicious. It is cooked in the world's largest solar cooker for the thousand devotees that visit the temple and its costs is just INR 10 for a meal. Also, the prasad includes ladoos made of pure ghee, and a mixture of sweets, cashew nuts and bundi.

Festivals

The Three Main Festival are Sri Rama Navami, Celebrations begin with a procession carrying a palanquin at night. Ratha or chariot procession is held on the second day at night – the Rama Navami day. It is a three day festival coincides with the birth anniversary of Bhagavan Sri Rama. Guru Purnima, Celebrations begin with a procession carrying a palanquin at night. Ratha or chariot procession is held on the second day at night – the Guru Purnima day. It is a three day festival, Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Punyatithi. The four-day annual festival coincides with Dasara. Celebrations begin with a procession carrying a palanquin on the previous day of Dasara. Ratha or chariot is part of the main day festival which falls on Vijaya Dashami or Dasara.