Category: Sai Baba Temples

A dedicated space covering Sai Baba temples across India and internationally — temple events, darshan news, online facilities, and guides for visiting devotees.

  • Hemadpant, The Author of “Shri Sai Satcharita”

    Hemadpant, The Author of “Shri Sai Satcharita”

    Govind Raghunath Dabolkar, called Anna Saheb Dabolkar, was Mamlatdar and first class resident Magistrate.

    His work ‘Sai Satcharitra’ in Marathi Ovi verse extends to a thousand pages. Maharashtra Sai bhaktas treat it as Sai Ramayana or modern Guru Charitra. They give it the respect due to ancient puranas. Even others respect it when they gain access through N.V. Gunjaji’s English adaptation or translations in Telugu, etc.

    This work is highly meritorious and has been the instrument for many people becoming Sai bhaktas. The verses are highly sonorous. The stories about Sai Baba collected from various individuals are based on actual experiences. These stories have great charm and are always fresh.

    On his first visit to Shirdi and Sai Baba in 1910, went to the mosque. He and his friend Bala Saheb Bhate prostrated before Baba. Baba pointed to Dabolkar and said, ‘What talk was going on there at the wada? And what did this Hemad Pant say (pointing his chin to Dabolkar)?’. Dabolkar’s name was not Hemad Pant at all.

    Hemadpant-“I began to think why Sai Baba should call me by the name Hemadpant. This word is a corrupt form of Hemadripant.

    This Hemadripant was a wellknown Minister of the kings Mahadev and Ramadev of Devgiri of the Yadav dynasty. He was very learned and good-natured. He authored good works, such as Chaturvarga Chintamani (dealing with spiritual subjects) and Rajprashasti. He invented and started new methods of accounts  and was the originator of the Ovi (Marathi Shorthand) script.

    But I was quite the opposite, an ignoramus, and have dull, mediocre intellect. I could not understand why the name or title was conferred upon me. However, after thinking seriously about it, I thought that the title was a dart to destroy my ego. This way, I should always remain meek and humble. It was also a compliment paid to me for the cleverness in the discussion#. (# before he started from Wada/Lodge to Sai Temple, he had some hot discussion with Bala Saheb Bhate about”Guru’s essential ” for 30 minutes)”.

    Looking to the future history, we think that Baba’s word (calling Mr. Dabholkar by the name Hemadpant) was significant and prophetic, as we find that he looked after the management of Sai Sansthan very intelligently, kept nicely all the accounts and helped greatly in the publications of ‘Sai Lila Masik (Magazine)’ also as the author of such a good work “Shri Sai Satcharita (SSSC)”, which deals with such important and spiritual subjects as Jnana, Bhakti and dispassion, self-surrender and self-realization.

  • Wise, avoid anxiety!

    Wise, avoid anxiety!

    “Stay, cast off anxiety. the wise avoid anxiety.

    Your sufferings for your past karma have come to an end, as soon as you put your feet on Shirdi. Persons in great trouble, sunk in their misery, rise to joy and happiness as soon as they climb the steps of this mosque (Dwarakamai)

    That Fakir (God) is very kind and will eradicate your disease. He will show his love. He is kind to all. “Baba

  • EIGHT

    I

    The life of Sai Baba is as wide and deep as the infinite ocean. All can dive deep into the same and take out precious gems (of knowledge and Bhakti). They can then distribute them to the aspiring public.

    The stories, parables, and teachings of Sai Baba are very wonderful. They will give peace and happiness to the people. These people are afflicted with sorrows and heavily loaded with miseries of this worldly existence.

    They will also bestow knowledge and wisdom, both in the worldly and in spiritual domains. If these teachings of Sai Baba, which are as interesting and instructive as the Vedic lore, are listened to and meditated upon, the devotees will get, what they long for, viz., union with Brahman, mastery in eight-fold Yoga, Bliss of meditation etc

    II

    Bow with all our eight limbs to Sai Baba, Who is an ocean of mercy, the God incarnate, who is Para-Brahman and the great Yogeshwara (Lord of Yoga). Victory be unto Sai Baba, Who is the crest-jewel of the Saints.

    He is the home of all auspicious things. He is our Atmaram (Dear Self). He is the able refuge of the devotees. We prostrate ourselves before Him, Who has attained the aim and end of life.

    III

    Hemadpant has given us a novel form of worship.

    • Let us, he says, use hot water in the form of tears of joy to wash the Sad-guru’s feet,
    • let us besmear His body with sandle-paste of pure love,
    • let us cover His body with the cloth of true faith,
    • let us offer eight lotuses in the form of our eight Sattwik emotions and fruit in the form of our concentrated mind;
    • let us apply to His head bukka (black-powder) in the form of devotion and tie the waistband of Bhakti and place our head on his toes.
    • After decorating the Sad-guru with all jewelry in this way, let us offer our all to Him and wave chamar of devotion to ward off heat.
    • After such blissful worship, let us pray thus:-

    “Introvert our mind. Turn it inward. Give us discrimination between the Unreal and the Real. Enable us to have non-attachment for all worldly things. Thus, enable us to get Self-realisation.

    We surrender ourselves, body and soul (body-consciousness and ego). Make our eyes Yours, so that we should never feel pleasure and pain. Control our body and mind as You will and wish. Let our mind get rest in Your Feet”.

    IV

    See where and how Baba slept:

    Mr. Nanasaheb Dengale brought, for Sai Baba, a wooden plank, amount 4 cubits in length and only a span in breath, for sleeping upon.  Instead of keeping the plank on the floor and then sleeping on it, Baba tied it like a swing to the rafters of the Masjid with old shreds or rags and commenced to sleep upon it.

    The rags were so thin and worn out that it was a problem how they could bear or support even weight of the plank itself, let alone the weight of Baba. But somehow or other-it was Baba’s sheer Leela that the worn out rags did sustain the plank, with the weight of Baba on it.

    On the four corners of this plank, Baba lighted panatis (earthen lamps), one at each corner, and kept them burning the whole night. It was a sight for the Gods to see Baba sitting or sleeping on this plank!

    It was a wonder to all, how Baba got up and down the plank. Out of curiosity, many careful observers kept watching the process of mounting and dismounting, but none succeeded. As crowds began to swell so to detect this wonderful feat, Baba one day broke the plank into pieces and threw it away.

    Baba had all the eight Siddhis (powers) at His command. He never practiced nor craved for them. They came to Him naturally, as a result of His perfection.

  • TIPS relate to Shirdi and Mandir Visits

    TIPS relate to Shirdi and Mandir Visits

    Day and Time:

    Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are least crowded, normally.

    Fridays from 12 Noon-8 p.m. & Daily from 3 to 4 p.m. are also less crowded.

    The best day to visit is on Thursday; many people visit the temple and fast for nine consecutive Thursdays (referred to as the Sai Vrat Pooja). You do visit on Thursdays, but be prepared for the crowd.

    Other busy times are on weekends and celebration like Holi, Guru Purnima, Dussehra, Ram Navami festivals. The temple is kept open overnight during these festivals.

    Months

    Best period to visit Shirdi is October to March.

    But crowd is more, during the festive months ie September to December; and maximum during Dussehra and Diwali

    Others

    • There’s a procession of Sai Baba’s chariot around 9.15 p.m on Thursdays.
    • The main temple (Samadhi Mandir) is open from 5am to 10.30pm,
    • where as Dwarkamayi Masjid, Chavadi, Gurusthan are closed around 8.30pm.
    • But first ‘darshan’ of the day starts, after the morning program of worship (Morning aarti and others ), at around 7am.
    • There is no restriction on darshan during the day in Dwarkamayi Masjid, Chavadi, Gurusthan, and Nanda deep.
    • However, there are a few minutes of restriction during Dhuni Pooja or while offering food to Shri Sai.

    PLACE:

    • Free Bus is also available from Sai Nivas and Mandir to here.
    • Mobile phones, cameras and other electronic devices aren’t permitted inside the temple area.
    • Have “Mukh darshan” of  Baba Face, adjoins Dwarkamayi . DO mediation here, while leaving Shirdi pilgrimage, by sitting few minutes. (Quick one, as small queue, but some distance darshan)
    • The Museum displays articles used by Sai Baba. Do not forget to visit it, near Gurusthan.
    • FREE food provided at Prasadalaya. Devotees and visitors can take unlimited food (rice, vegetables, dal with Sweet). The capacity of Prasadalaya is huge and 1000s of people come every day. It is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    Free Food Token Counter
    • In Chavadi, ladies are not allowed to enter the section where Baba used to sleep.

    Accommodation:

    Accommodation Booking Counter
    • Avoid the touts for getting any accommodation.
    • It is advisable to approach any hotel/lodge directly, ONLY if not available accommodation i)through https://online.sai.org.in/ OR ii)directly at Mandir Accommodation Offices.
    • There is a wide choice of hotels/lodges in Shirdi, suiting the budget of all.

    Don’t go to any shop for keeping Mobile, Free Slippers and Luggage, BUT USE Trust’s counters, very near to Gate No. 2 to keep all these.

    Be cautious about the prices while taking the garland, coconut etc particularly as a package from the nearby shops and avoid being overcharged by them.

    Prasadam and Books:

    • BUY Prasadam at SAI SANSTHAN EMPLOYEES CREDIT CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY LTD, SHIRDI” stall, near Sai Commercial Complex and

    Donation:

    Each gift item must be registered in the Donation Office of the temple. Devotees can donate at SRI SAIBABA SANSTHAN TRUST Office

    • cash either in the Donation Office, with due receipt or
    • put into directly any of the donation boxes, placed at all important places of temple complex or
    • Crossed and A/C payee Cheques, Demand Drafts, Indian Postal Orders, Foreign Postal Order, Travelers  Cheques or Money Orders are accepted. Transactions are handled only at the Official address of Sansthan.
    • Andhra bank is authorized to collect the donations for Nitya Prasadalaya Annadan (Free Food Scheme) through their network of branches. But then, official receipt is issued by Sansthan itself.

    Prior registration is mandatory before you make any offering at the temple.

    Communication:

    Devotees are requested to call, ONLY 02423-258500 for any information regarding Saibaba Sansthan. 2] For all Online Services please do contact on 02423-258956/63 & WhatsApp-07720077203

  • Dwarkamayi, How Powerful

    At Malegaon, Nasik Dt., there lived a doctor (qualified and degree-holder). His nephew suffered from an incurable disease – Tubercular bone-abcess. The doctor himself and his brothers, the medical practitioners, tried all sorts of remedies and even an operation. There was no relief and there was no end to the little boy’s suffering.

    Friends and relations advised the parents of the boy to seek divine aid and recommended them to try Sai Baba, who was known to have cured such incurable cases by His mere glance. The parents, therefore, came to Shirdi. They prostrated themselves before Baba, placed the boy before Him and pleaded humbly and respectfully, and implored Him to save their son.

    The merciful Baba comforted them saying “Those who resort to this Masjid shall never suffer anything in this life and to the end of time. Be now care-free. Apply Udi on the abcess and within one week he will recover. Believe in God. This is no Masjid, but Dwarawati. He who steps here will soon get health and happiness and his sufferings will come to an end”.

    The boy was made to sit before Baba, Who moved his hands on the affected part and cast His loving glances on him. The patient was pleased and with the application of the Udi, he began to recover, and was all right after some days

  • What can the Snake do?”

    What can the Snake do?”

    Balasaheb Mirikar, son of Sirdar Kakasaheb Mirikar was Mamlatdar of Kopergaon. He was going on tour to Chitali. On the way he came to Shirdi to see Sai Baba.

    When he went to the Masjid and prostrated himself before Baba, usual conversation regarding health and other matters commenced, when Baba sounded a note of warning as follows:- “Do you know our Dwarakamayi?”

    As Balasaheb did not understand he kept quiet, Baba continued – “This is our Dwarakamayi, where you are sitting. She wards off all dangers and anxieties of the children, who sit on her lap. This Masjidmayi (its presiding Deity) is very merciful. She is the mother of the simple devotees. She will save them in calamities. Once a person sits on her lap, all his troubles are over. He, who rests in her shade, gets Bliss”.

    Then Baba gave him Udi, and placed His protecting hand on his head.

    When Balasaheb was about to depart, He again said- “Do you know the “Lamba Bava” (long gentleman), Viz. serpent?” And then he closed his left arm like a fist. He brought it near the right elbow. Moving his left arm like the hood of a serpent, Baba said, “He is so terrible. But what can he do to the children of Dwarakamayi? When the Dwarakamayi (its presiding deity) protects, what can the serpent do?”

    Everyone present there was curious. They wanted to know the meaning of all this and its reference to Mirikar. However, none had the courage to ask Baba about this. Then Balasaheb saluted Baba and left the Masjid with Shama. Baba called Shama back and asked him to accompany Balasaheb, and enjoy the Chitali trip.

    They reached Chitali at 9 P.M. and encamped in the Maruti temple. The office-people had not come; so they sat quiet in the temple, talking and chitchating.

    Balasaheb was sitting on a mat reading a newspaper. His Uparani (upper dhotar) was spread across his waist and on a part of it a snake was sitting unobserved. It began to move with a rustling sound which was heard by the peon. He brought a lantern, saw the snake and raised an alarm- ‘serpent, serpent’. Balasaheb was frightened and began to quiver.

    Shama was also amazed. Then he and others moved noiselessly and took sticks and clubs in their hands. The snake got down slowly from the waist and it moved away from Balasaheb; it was immediately done to death. Thus this calamity, which was prophesied by Baba, was averted and Balasaheb’s love for Baba was deeply confirmed.

  • Baba is living in the flesh, doing the same even after His passing away.

    Baba is living in the flesh, doing the same even after His passing away.

    Baba’s speech established its efficacy or greatness while He was living in the flesh, but wonder of wonders! It did the same even after His passing away.

    • Baba said –
    • “Believe Me, though I pass away, My bones in My tomb will give you hope and confidence.
    • Not only Myself but My tomb would be speaking, moving and communicating with those who would surrender themselves whole-heartedly to Me.
    • Do not be anxious that I would be absent from you.
    • You will hear My bones speaking and discussing your welfare.
    • But remember Me always, believe in Me heart and soul and then you will be most benefited.”

  • Shirdi Temple facilities, On Line.

    Sai baba  Mandir at Shirdi, India is opened as below:-

    Online advance reservation can be Registered and booked  at https://online.sai.org.in for

    I] VIP Darshan @Rs.200 /person. Foreigners, produce your Passport with copy at PRO counter and buy this VIP tickets, quickly please.

    II] Aarati: Moring @Rs.600 and Noon/Evening/Night-@Rs.400 /person.

    III] A] Poojh: Abhishek-@Rs.101 and B] Sai Sathya Narayana-@Rs.100 /Single or Married Couple -Either at a] 7 AM or b] 9 AM slot.

    IV] Accommodation: (Min. 2 and Max. 5 Persons allowed per Room) -Non AC Room @Rs.150 to 500 & AC Room @Rs.600 or 800 or 900 /day for family only. and

    V] Dormitory for Individual @Rs.20 /person. Max 9 Adults allowed in one Booking. Children @ Free of cost, If Age is upto12 Years.

    ALL the above are available at Current Booking Counters, as well as in 60 Days advance thro’ Online*.

    Checkout Time is 24 Hours.

    Bring the Zerox copy for each individuals‘ Photo ID-Aadhaar Card etc.

    For Room, allowed on verification of family relationship like sister, brother

    A Shared room will not be allowed for Male and Female friends

    Rooms will not be allowed for Single person.

    No Reschedule or Refund, once booked.  

    Quota for the ‘Unavailable dates’ [May Not be available Now], may be available in future, in case of any cancellations from other devotees.

    Devotee should produce Advance Booking Acknowledgement with the same (cited on reserve) original  ID proofs for all, at appointed date and time .

    *Booking facility is available at i) PRO Office/ Accommodations/ Counters around temple, Shirdi; else through iI) Sansthan’s official website: online.sai.org.in, iii) Mobile app, as well as iv) Sansthan’s Information Facility centres at Shirdi Airport/ Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore”

    Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust reserves rights to change any of the terms and conditions mentioned above without prior notice. Please recheck the above information before booking these and other services.

    Devotee can call Help desk for On Line Services-02423-258963 or 258956; Voice support will be available from 10 am to 06 pm (IST).

    Other than this time slot, mail to support@sai.org.in .

  • Sathya Narayana Poojah

    Sathya Narayana Poojah

    People in the Maharashtra, India always celebrate God Satya-Narayana Puja in their homes every fortnight or month.

    When they are suffering from any problem, they say, ‘I do Satya Narayana Pooja.’ After getting rid of the problem, they performed the Satya Narayana Puja.

    In all Sai Baba Temples, Sai Satya-vrata Puja is performed instead of Satya Narayana Pooja. People choose to recite the Sai story. It was told in three figurative verses. These were from the book “Bhakta Liyamaruth” composed by Daskanu Maharaj.

    Satya Narayana Puja will be held daily at 7 am and 9 am in Shirdi. At the end of the prayer, the priest reads the three stories in Marathi. He reads them on behalf of all the devotees present. Then the offering will be given.

    If  you have time, please attend the Sai Satya Narayana puja, at Shirdi Mandir(RS.100 per couples), and also do monthly Pooja at your home in front of Satya Narayana picture and get Health, Wealth and Happiness

  • Interesting Spot in and around Shirdi Mandir

    Interesting Spot in and around Shirdi Mandir

    INTERESTING PLACEs MUST VISIT IN AND NEAR SHIRDI

    • WITHIN/CLOSE TO SHIRDI MANDIR
      • Samadhi Mandir
      • Gurusthan [Neem Tree]
      • Lendi Baug
      • Dwarkamai
      • Chavadi
      • Dixit Wada Museum
      • Meditation Hall
      • Nanda Lamp
      • Ganapthy, Siva_Parvathy & Sani Temples
      • Maruti Mandir
      • Abdul Baba cottage
      • Thursday Palki procession

    • AROUND SHIRDI
    • 1 Upasani Maharaj Ashram – A serene place for reflection and spiritual growth.
    • 2 Shani Shingnapur, (70 kms. Nevasa Taluk, Ahmednagar Dt.) – This temple is dedicated to Lord Shani, related Plant Saturn. Its unique feature is that the houses and shops in the village have no doors or locks. Visitors can perform puja and seek blessings from Lord
    • 3 Nevasa, (Nevasa Taluk, Ahmednagar Dt.) – A peaceful area rich in cultural heritage and ancient Mohiniraj (Vishnu) temple.
    • 4 Muktidham (Nashik) – A place where the essence of devotion and tranquility beautifully converge. Marble temple. Replicas of 12 Jyotirlingas which have built as per dimension of original
    • 5 Kalaram Temple, (Panchavati – Nashik) – An important pilgrimage site for Lord Ram, built in 1782.
    • 6 Pandavleni Caves, (Nashik) – These are ancient caves. Buddhist monks built them in these serene surroundings. They date back to the 2nd century.
    • 7 Ramkund, (Panchavati – Nashik) – A sacred water spot that invites introspection and calm.
    • 8 Manmad Thumbs Up Mountain Trek – A thrilling adventure surrounded by breathtaking nature.
    • 9 Ellora Caves, (Aurangabad) – A remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing the grandeur of ancient art and architecture.
    • 10 Daulatabad, (Aurangabad) – A historic fort that stands as a testament to the strategic brilliance of the past.
    • 11 Coin Museum, (Anjaneri Village – Nashik) – A fascinating place that takes you on a journey through history via rare coins.
    • 12 Trimbakeshwar, (Nashik) – A sacred temple that holds deep significance in the hearts of devotees.
    • 13 Alandi, (Khed Taluk– Pune) – A tranquil town that offers peace and spiritual solace such as Dnyaneshwar samadhi
    • 14 Bhimashankar, (75 kms. Khed – Pune) – a scenic hill station that offers picturesque views of mountains, valleys, and waterfalls. It is a perfect place for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
    • 15 Nashik: (90 km) A city on the banks of the Godavari River, famous for its historical and religious ancient temples, like Trimbakeshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India
    • 15 Ellora Caves: (100 km) An UNESCO World Heritage site, showcase a blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain architecture; intricate carvings and sculptures that depict the ancient Indian culture
    • 16 Ajanta Caves: (110 km) An UNESCO World Heritage site and showcase exquisite rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments and frescoes that date back to the 2nd century BC