Places Visit In Shirdi

Shri Sai Baba Temple,Shirdi

Shirdi is famously known as the home of the late 19th century saint Sri Sai Baba.The Sri Saibaba Sansthan Trust also located in Shirdi is one of the richest temple organisations.

Overview

Sai Baba of Shirdi, also known as Shirdi Sai Baba, was an Indian spiritual master who is regarded by his devotees as a saint, a fakir, a satguru and an incarnation (avatar) of God, the parabrahman (the absolute). He is revered by both his Hindu and Muslim devotees during, as well as after his lifetime.

He preached the importance of realization of the self, and gently steered his devotees away from love towards perishable things. His teachings concentrate on love, forgiveness, helping others, charity, contentment, inner peace, and devotion to the God and guru. He stressed the importance of surrender to the true Satguru, who, having trod the path to divine consciousness, leads the disciple through the jungle of existence.

Sai Baba also condemned distinction based on religion or caste. It remains unclear if he was a Muslim or a Hindu. This, however, was of no consequence to Sai Baba.His teaching combined elements of Hinduism and Islam: he gave the Hindu name Dwarakamayi to the mosque in which he lived,practised both Hindu and Muslim rituals, taught using words and figures that drew from both traditions, and took samadhi in Shirdi. One of his well-known epigrams, Allah Malik and Sabka Malik Ek (One God governs all), is associated with both Hinduism and Islam. He is also known to have said Look to me, and I shall look to you.

Shirdi About this sound pronunciation is a town in the jurisdiction of the municipal council popularly known as Shirdi Nagar Panchayat, located in Rahata Taluka in Ahmednagar District in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is accessible via the Ahmednagar – Manmad State Highway No.10, approximately 83 km from Ahmednagar and 15 km from Kopargaon. It is located 185 km east of the Western Seashore line, a very busy route.

History

Sai Baba returned to Shirdi in 1858. He appeared at the Khandoba Mandir in Shirdi. The temple priest, Mhalsapati, upon seeing him for the very first time, welcomed him by saying 'Aao, Sai!' ('Come Sai'). From then on, He was known by the name (Sai Baba).

Around this time he adopted his famous style of dressing, consisting of a knee-length one-piece Kafni robe and a cloth cap. Ramgir Bua, a devotee, testified that Sai Baba was dressed like an athlete and sported 'long hair flowing down to the end of his spine' when he arrived in Shirdi, and that he never had his head shaved. It was only after Baba forfeited a wrestling match with one Mohiddin Tamboli that he took up the kafni and cloth cap, articles of typical Sufi clothing.This attire contributed to Baba's identification as a Muslim fakir and was a reason for initial indifference and hostility against him in a predominantly Hindu village.

For four to five years, Baba lived under a neem tree and often wandered for long periods in the jungle around Shirdi. His manner was said to be withdrawn and uncommunicative as he undertook long periods of meditation.He was eventually persuaded to take up residence in an old and dilapidated mosque and lived a solitary life there, surviving by begging for alms, and receiving itinerant Hindu or Muslim visitors. In the mosque he maintained a sacred fire which is referred to as a dhuni, from which he gave sacred ash ('Udi') to his guests before they left. The ash was believed to have healing and apotropaic powers. He performed the function of a local hakim and treated the sick by application of ashes. Sai Baba also delivered spiritual teachings to his visitors, recommending the reading of the Ramayan and Bhagavat Gita for Hindus and Qur'an for Muslims. He insisted on the indispensability of the unbroken remembrance of God's name (dhikr, and often expressed himself in a cryptic manner with the use of parables, symbols and allegories.

Baba is known to have grown, nurtured and cultivated a garden called "Lendi Baug". during his lifetime. The garden was watered daily by Baba himself. Lendi Baug got its name from a well known river which used to previously flow there. The garden was full of trees and flowering plants that included a rose garden where deer and rabbits roamed about. Baba went to Lendi Baug daily and every day he threw some silver coins in the 'Lendi' ('Well'). Baba was also known to test his devotees to see if they hankered after money and gold. Baba used to come here every morning and afternoon entering alone through the west and rest under a Neem tree. Sai Baba also dug a pit, 2 feet deep, under the Neem tree and kept an earthen lamp lit continuously. Lendi Baug also has a well which was dug by Baba and his devotees.

Gurusthan,Shirdi

“In human life, the Guru’s place is prominent.By keeping utmost faith in the Guru alone, everything is obtained. A devotee’s entire strength is due to his Guru. Devotion to the Guru is superior to devotion to gods and goddesses. The Guru is the Supreme Being. ”

Overview

Sai Baba first came to Shirdi in the form of Bal Yogi - a child ascetic. He was first spotted seated under a Neem tree. This place came to be known as Gurusthan. The Gurusthan was renovated on 30th September, 1941. After this the present temple was built. There is a small shrine in Gurusthan. On a elevated platform of this shrine a big portrait of Lord Sai Baba is placed. On the side is a marble statue of Baba. In front of the portrait is a Shivling and the Nandi. Photos of twelve Jyotirlingas are also kept in the temple.

he branches of the Neem tree have come out through the roof of the temple. At a short distance lies Baba's CHAVADI. Baba used to sleep here every alternate day. The Chavadi is divided into two parts. One part of the Chavadi has a large portrait of Baba along with a wooden bed and a white chair belonging to him. There is a cottage of Abdul Baba, an ardent devotee of Shri Sai Baba, in front of the Chavadi. The Lendi Baug was looked after by Abdul Baba. There are photos and various things which were handled by Sai Baba and Abdul Baba in the cottage. There is a Maruti Mandir located at some distance from the cottage of Abdul Baba. This mandir was visited by Baba for the sat-sang with Devidas, a Balyogi, who lived at the Mandir ten to twelve years before Baba arrived. There are also temples of village deities like Shani, Ganpati, and Shankar to be visited.

A must visit pilgrimage site of Shirdi, Gurusthan (place of the Guru) is the place where Sai Baba spent most of his time when he first came to Shirdi. It is said that the Baba believed that the tomb of his own Guru is located by the neem tree. Presently, in addition to the neem tree, the Gurusthan area has a statue of Baba, a pair of marble padukas on a pedestal and a Shivalinga. Installed in 1974, the statue of the Baba was carved by the grandson of the sculptor of the Samadhi Mandir statue and was donated by Y. D. Dave.

When Sai Baba was first spotted in Shirdi seated under a neem tree, the place came to be known as Gurusthan Sri Saibaba. The place was renovated into a white shrine. The shrine is set on an elevated platform with a huge portrait of Sai Baba along with the portrait is a Shivling and the Nandi Bull. There are photos of twelve Jyotirlingas that are kept in the temple. The branches of the original neem tree have now breached through the roof of the temple. Some people regard the tree as a symbol of the Guru’s grace under which humanity may take shelter and protection.

History

Gurusthan is the place, where Sai Baba first appeared to the world as a 16 year old boy. It is situated under the sacred Neem Tree, which is very popular for providing shelter to Sai Baba. Renovated on 30th September, 1941, the site also contains a small shrine. A portrait of Sai Baba has been placed on an elevated platform of this shrine. A marble statue of Sai Baba is located near this shrine.

Shivlingam and the Nandi are placed in front of the portrait of Sai Baba. A temple constructed at the site contains photos of twelve Jyotirlingas. The place has derived its name, owing to the belief that it is the Gurusthan (seat of the teacher) of Sai Baba. Devotees strongly believe that lighting incense sticks in the temple will free them from various diseases.

Shani Shingnapur,Shirdi

Shani Shingnapur or Shani Shinganapur or Shani or Shingnapur or Sonai is a village in the Indian state of Maharashtra.

Overview

Shani Shingnapur or Shani Shinganapur or Shani or Shingnapur or Sonai is a village in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Situated in Nevasa taluka in Ahmednagar district, the village is known for its popular temple of Shani, the Hindu god associated with the planet (graha) Saturn. Shingnapur is 35 km from Ahmednagar city.

Shingnapur is also famous for the fact that no house in the village has doors, only door frames. Despite this, officially no theft was reported in the village although there were reports of theft in 2010 and 2011. The temple is believed to be a "jagrut devasthan", meaning that a deity still resides in the temple icon. Villagers believe that god Shani punishes anyone attempting theft.The deity here is "Swayambhu"that is self emerged from earth in form of black, imposing stone. Though no one knows the exact period, it is believed that the Swayambhu Shanaishwara statue was found by shepherds of the then local hamlet. It is believed to be in existence at least since the start of Kali yuga.

The village has a post office and a high school known as Shri Shanishwar Vidya Mandir besides the primary schools run by the Zilla Parishad. The chief source of water supply in the village is wells.

The water body in itself is a beautiful site and makes for a serene view, particularly in the rainy season. The holy water is also mentioned in the Vedas and in fact many believe that the Akasaganga Teertham originates from the feet of the deity.

History

The story of the swayambhu statue handed down from generations through word of mouth, goes something like this: When the Shepherd touched the stone with a pointed rod, the stone started bleeding. The shepherds were astounded. Soon the whole village gathered around to watch the miracle. On that night Lord Shanaishwara appeared in the dream of the most devoted and pious of the shepherds.

He told the shepherd that he is "Shanaishwara". He also told that the unique looking black stone is his swayambhu form. The shepherd prayed and asked the lord whether he should construct a temple for him. To this, Lord Shani Mahatma said there is no need for a roof as the whole sky is his roof and he preferred to be under open sky. He asked the shephered to do daily pooja and 'Tailabhisheka' every Saturday without fail. He also promised the whole hamlet will have no fear of dacoits or burglars or thieves.

So, Lord Shanaishwara can be seen even today, in the open yard without any roof above. To this day, there are no doors for any houses, shops, temples.It is to be seen to believe that even post office has no door, not to speak of locks. Due to the fear of Lord Shani, none of the structures, be it dwelling houses, huts, shops, etc. situated within one kilometer radius of this Lord Shani temple have neither doors nor locks.No thievery or burglary was reported until 2010 when first theft was reported and again another one was reported in 2011. Some who have tried to steal have died vomiting blood within minutes of their act and before they could cross the boundary.Many others are said have received varied punishments such as long sickness, mental imbalance etc.

This Shani Shingnapur is visited daily by thousands of devotees praying for Lord Shaneswara's favour. The place is busiest on Saturdays. Shani Thrayodashi is considered to be a favorite day for the lord. Similarly Saturday falling on 'Amavasya'is considered to be a favourite day for the Lord Shanaishwara and on that days devotees seeking his blessings throng this temple in thousands.

The shrine for Shani consists of a five and a half feet high black rock installed on an open-air platform, which symbolizes the god Shani. A Trishula (trident) is placed along the side of the image and a Nandi (bull) image is on the south side. In front are the small images of Shiva and Hanuman.

Samadhi Mandir,Shirdi

Samādhi or samadhi mandir is the Hindi name for a temple commemorating the dead (similar to a tomb or mausoleum,which may or may not contain the body of the deceased.

Overview

Samādhi or samadhi mandir is the Hindi name for a temple commemorating the dead ,which may or may not contain the body of the deceased. Samadhi sites are often built in this way to honor people regarded as saints or gurus in Hindu religious traditions, wherein such souls are said to have passed into mahāsamādhi, or were already in samādhi at the time of death.

The tradition of India is cremation for most Hindu people at the time of death, while samadhi is generally reserved for very advanced souls, such as yogis and saints, who have already been "purified by the fire of yoga"or who are believed to have been in the state of samadhi at time of death.

One of the popular site of pilgrimage in India is the town of Alandi in the state of Maharashtra where the 13th century Varkari saint Dnyaneshwar took Sanjivan Samadhi or entombed himself in the state of Samadhi.His devotees believe that he is still alive.

The Samadhi Mandir is situated in Shirdi and has been named after the famous saint Sai Baba. The body of the holy saint Sai Baba rests in this temple. All the articles used by the holy saint have been preserved and displayed here in a special showroom. The Samadhi Mandir is made up of white marble stones and the railings surrounding it have been decorated with ornaments.

The divine statue of Sai Baba was built by Late Balaji Vasant in 1954 and is situated within the Samadhi Mandir. The temple can accommodate 600 visitors in its assembly hall. One can experience the life of Sai Baba through the paintings situated on the first floor of the Samadhi Mandir.

History

Samadhi Mandir was constructed under the patronage of a millionaire from Nagour, who was an ardent devotee of Sai Baba. The Sai devotee, Shreemant Gopalrao, wanted to enshrine an idol of Murlidhar at the temple, but Sai Baba declared himself as Murlidhar. Following this, the temple became the Samadhi Mandir of Sai Baba. Made up of white marble, the samadhi is located amidst two silver pillars embellished with decorative designs.

At the shrine, devotees can also view a marble statue of Sai Baba seated on a throne with a silver umbrella, which stands open above it. Railings located near the samadhi are ornately carved. Morning song called Bhoopali begins the day that ends with the song Shejarati. Late Balaji Vasant made the idol of Sai Baba in 1954 using Italian marble. White marble stones have been used to construct the samadhi.

Dwarkamai,Shirdi

This was Baba's abode (located within the Samadhi Mandir Complex) continuously 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.

Overview

This was Baba's abode (located within the Samadhi Mandir Complex) continuously 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 fulfill their wishes. Even now, Udi distributed to devotees is from this Dhuni.

Arriving at the mosque for the first time, you may be rather surprised. Was this simple, unadorned structure really the home of “God on earth?” Was this really the centre from which so many miraculous events sprang? Could such a modest building have been the scene of the highest spiritual instruction that flowed forth in almost as many different forms as the number of visitors seeking it?

With its corrugated iron roof and rough stone walls, the mosque could never be described as grand. Yet, in spite of this – or rather, because of this – it seems to have suited Baba very well. Describing himself as a simple fakir, Baba was a model of dispassion and holy poverty. His personal possessions amounted to little more than a few pieces of cloth, some chillim pipes, a stick, a begging bowl, and a change of kafni – and not even always that. Whenever his devotees wanted to refurnish the mosque, Baba resisted and said that it was not necessary, although basic repair work was gradually carried out.

To the devotees of Sai Baba, Dwarkamai is one of the treasures of Shirdi. The spirit of tolerance, acceptance and welcome for all is very much alive. Baba has said that merely going inside the mosque will confer blessings, and the experiences of devotees confirm this. Sai Baba respected all religions and creeds, and all had free access to the mosque. It is typically unique of Sai Baba that he regarded a place of worship – the mosque – as a mother. He once told a visitor, “Dwarkamai is this very mosque. She makes those who ascend her steps fearless. This masjidmai is very kind. Those who come here reach their goal !”

The unadorned structure of Dwarkamai Masjid may astonish you and leave in a state of dilemma in the beginning. However, on intruding deep into it you will actually be left to believe that it is one of those spiritual shelters from where spiritual teachings and instructions flowed forth and numerous miracles happened to several bereaved and hapless individuals. The mosque is dedicated to Sai Baba, a well- known Fakir who has spent maximum time of his life over here.

History

Dwarkamai Masjid served as the place where Sai Baba stayed for a period of 60 years. Near the mosque, the Shila (Stone), on which Sai Baba used to sit, is located. In the mosque, Sacred Fire (Dhuni) lit by Sai Baba, always keeps burning. During his lifetime, Sai Baba used to give its Sacred Udi (Ash) to the devotees with the belief that it will cure them of sufferings of any kind.

For the distribution of food to the devotees, Sai Baba used to cook at this site. Main attraction of this place attractions of this place areis oil paintings of Sai Baba. The mosque is segmented into two levels. On the first level a portrait of Sai Baba and a big stone is located. It is believed that on this stone, Sai Baba used to sit. This level contains two rooms, one has a palki, while another possesses a chariot. The second level holds a huge square stool, which is constructed out of stone. It is believed that Sai Baba used this stool for taking bath.

Jangli Maharaj Ashram,Shirdi

Jangali Maharaj (1806 - , also known as Sadguru Jangali Maharaj or Guru Maharaj, was a Maharashtrian saint who lived in Pune, India, in the late 19th Century. "Jungle" (Jangali) "King" (Maharaj) is an eponym of Shiva.

Overview

Jangali Maharaj (1806 - , also known as Sadguru Jangali Maharaj or Guru Maharaj, was a Maharashtrian saint who lived in Pune, India, in the late 19th Century. "Jungle" (Jangali) "King" (Maharaj) is an eponym of Shiva. A major commercial road in Pune (Jangali Maharaj Road) raj.It is believed that he was born in the state of Baroda (Vadodara of present day Gujarat) in the early 18th Century. Very little is known about his early life other than that he was an athlete and participated in the Indian Rebellion of 1857.He was a very great spiritual guru and had enlightened all the spiritual chakras.

All round the year meditation is practiced in presence of His Holiness Param Pujya Vishwatmak Om Gurudev. His divine dictum is now being spread all over the globe like a wild fire. The trust has nearly 151 branches managed by local bodies , in India & abroad. Devotees spread as far and wide as American, Australian, French, German, Indian, Italian, Malaysian, Polish, South African visit the Ashram to get Spiritual solace.

His Holiness Param Pujya Vishwatmak Gurudev (Babaji)”established many ashrams world-wide to carry out his Gurudev’s work. Peoples residing near these ashrams are taking plenty of advantage. Apart from this we also feel very proud to invite all our esteemed visitors to take advantage of attaining different spiritual activities which are taking place in all our ashrams and get themselves spiritually blessed in presence of His Holiness Param Pujya Babaji.

History

Jangli Maharaj Ashram is situated on Shirdi-Manmad State Highway, seven kilometres away from Shirdi. This ashram is managed and maintained by spiritual guru Om Gurudev. There is a co-educational residential school for children, inside the premises of the main ashram.

Various meditation classes, along with religious and educational feats are regularly conducted for peace of mind, body and soul in the ashram. A religious program named 'Anugraha' is organised in the ashram every Poornima. Throughout the night, in the presence of Sadguru Janglidas Maharaj, the holy meeting goes on.

Chavadi,Shirdi

Though apparently and formally Baba used to go to the Chavadi. In his super conscious state he was never asleep and used to tell his devotees that in his everlasting awareness (consciousness) he will always protect his devotees who were asleep at night.

Overview

Chavadi was a village office, a place where all the taxes were collected, village records kept and visiting officials put up. It is said that Sai Baba used to go to the Chavadi. After Baba’s Maha samadhi, the organization acquired Chavadi and used it for storing books and accommodating pilgrims until late 1930's. Now this place is considered sacred because the holy saint Sai Baba resided over here during his last year and converted it into a temple. The temple has a large portrait of Sai Baba painted by Amabaram from Gujarat, a bed where the saint was given the last bath after which he had passed away, and an unused wheelchair of the saint is placed near the bed. The bed is covered with a palanquin and is taken out every Thursday.

Chavadi means “village office”, and was the place where taxes were collected, village records kept and visiting officials put up. After Baba’s mahasamadhi the Sansthan acquired Chavadi, and until the late 1930s, used it for storing books and accommodating pilgrims. The village offices have long been relocated and Chavadi is kept as a shrine to Baba and is open to all.

Sai Baba is intimately connected with this place, as he used to sleep here on alternate nights, during the last decade of his life. The routine was started on one wild and stormy night, around 1909. It was raining heavily, and water was coming through the leaky walls of the mosque. The devotees tried their best to persuade Baba to move out, if only until the water had subsided, but Baba did not want to go. Eventually, they virtually forced him to leave, by picking him up and half-carrying him to Chavadi. From that day onwards, Baba would spend alternate nights here.

Chavadi is also very significant to Sai devotees as it played a major role in the inception of formal worship of Baba. Once Baba started sleeping at Chavadi, the custom arose of offering regular arati to him on his arrival from the mosque. This was Sej (night) Arati. Later, Kakad (morning) Arati was offered when he woke up there. The performance of Midday and Evening aratis at the mosque probably developed subsequently.

Around the time that Dwarkamai was renovated, Chavadi was also upgraded. The mud walls were neatly plastered, huge mirrors were hung, glazed tiles replaced the mud floor and glass chandeliers were suspended from the ceiling. The funding for the renovations was provided by Anna Chinchanikar, who was deeply devoted to Baba. He had been involved in a land dispute and after a protracted struggle, during which he repeatedly asked Baba about the outcome, he was elated when the court ruled in his favour. Feeling that the triumph was purely due to Baba’s grace, he very much wanted to give Baba the full sum awarded. Baba, however, refused it and Dixit suggested that the money be spent on Chavadi and named after Chinchanikar and his wife. Consequently, their names are inscribed (in Marathi) on a plaque above the doorway. The sitting platform along the outside of the front wall is a later addition.

History

Chavadi is situated close to Dwarkamai Mosque. During the days when Sai Baba was living in the mosque, he came to the chavadi along with his nearest followers on every alternative night to sleep. These days, the visit to chavadi on every alternative night is assisted with palki processions with huge crowd of devotees accompanying the idol of Sai Baba. Palki is decorated with beautiful flowers. Idol of Sai Baba is placed inside the palki. The procession takes place every Thursday.

The procession begins from Samadhi Mandir, reaches Dwarkamai Mosque, and then proceeds to Chavadi. After this visit, the procession returns to Samadhi Mandir. On arrival of the palki at Samadhi Mandir, Sai Baba is worshipped with 'Shej Aarti'. The Chavadi is divided into two parts, one has a wooden bed with a large portrait of Sai Baba, while the other possesses a white chair belonging to him./p>

Thursday Palki procession,Shirdi

The ‘Palki' procession starts from Samadhi Mandir which is eternal abode of Shri Sai, proceeds to Dwarkamai and then it moves to Chavadi. From Chavadi it returns back to Samadhi Mandir. This tradition has roots in those days when Shri Sai used to live here.

Overview

Prior to the "Thursday Palki" at around 8.00 PM Sai's old portrait wrapped in a Royal robe, sacred staff and sacred Paduka kept in a silver plate are placed on throne at the Samadhi to be viewed by devotees. At around 9.00 PM followers of Sai gather in main hall of Samadhi mandir and sing devotional songs like bhajans and abhangas. At 9.15 the procession starts from Samadhi temple carrying Baba's portrait held under a big umbrella, sacred staff and paduka. Priest carrying lighted incense leads this procession. As per tradition honor of holding portrait of Sai Baba goes to members of Tatya Kote Patil's current generation family members.

Thursday is considered to be most important day of worship of Saibaba. Many devotees reach Shirdi on Wednesday, so that they can attend early morning Kakad aarti on Thursday. Visit this destination on the eve of Thursday, so that you can attend early morning aarti as well as "Palki in Shirdi".

It is believed that the holy saint slept in Chawri during his stay at the Dwarkamai Masjid on every other night from the year 1910 to 1918. His visit to Chawri is remembered with a palki march, adorned with majestic accessories. The holy saint was accompanied from Dwarkamai to Chawri.

In today’s time also, the palki march is processed with similar enthusiasm and respect. The said march is started from the Samadhi Mandir and proceeds towards the Dwarkamai Masjid. The march then proceeds to Chawri. From Chawri it returns to the above mentioned Mandir again where after the march the Shej Aarti is presented to the holy saint.

History

Shri Sai used to sleep here on alternate days. On Thursdays Baba's Palki is major attraction for devotee's which comes form Dwarkamai to Chavadi. During the days when Shri Sai Baba was living in Dwarkamai Masjid, he used to sleep in Chawri. This was on every alternate night between the years 1910 to 1918. This visit at Chawri on every alternate night was prefaced by a 'palki' progress. The procession was carried out with all royal appurtenances and Baba was accompanied from Dawakamai to Chawri.

Even now this palki procession continues with the same excitement and veneration. The procession starts from the Samadhi Mandir and proceeds to Dwarkamai Masjid from where it goes to Chawri and returns Samadhi Mandir. After the procession, Shej Aarti is offered to Shri Sai Baba.

Dixit Wada Museum,Shirdi

Located just opposite to the Gurusthan, Dixit Wada museum houses personal belongings of Sai Baba and is one of the most visited places in Shirdi. The museum was set up by Kakasaheb Dixit in 1911 on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami. Kakasaheb Dixit was the owner of the museum and an ardent devotee of Baba.

Overview

Located just opposite to the Gurusthan, Dixit Wada museum houses personal belongings of Sai Baba and is one of the most visited places in Shirdi. The museum was set up by Kakasaheb Dixit in 1911 on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami. Kakasaheb Dixit was the owner of the museum and an ardent devotee of Baba. After establishing the museum, he resided inside a small room on the first floor and the rest of the Wada (house) was given for the use of devotees. The author of Sai Sadchartita, Shri Hemadpant also stayed in Dixit Wada whenever he visited Shirdi.

The collection includes robes, pipes, footwear, gramophone records and cooking utensils used by Baba. There is also a grinding machine in stone which displays Baba’s philosophy that Dharma and Bhakti come together for salvation.

Showcasing some of Sai Baba's personal belongings, the Dixit Wada museum offers visitors an interesting insights into his simple and pious life. It was established by Kakasaheb Dixit in the year 1911 on Ram Navami with Baba's permission. On a close acquaintance’s suggestion, Kakasaheb Dixit came to Sai Baba, when he developed a low self-esteem post injuring his leg. After meeting the saint, he became one of Baba’s most exemplary devotees. When the museum’s construction was completed, Dixit took up residence in a small room on the first floor, leaving out the rest of the building for the use of the devotees.

This museum is a treasure house of Baba’s belongings! One must pay a visit to this museum after the main darshan. The robes he wore, the utensils he cooked in with his bare hand, are also displayed!

History

Dixit Wada Museum is located within the Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Trust complex. The compact museum showcases black and white pictures of Sai Baba, with his devotees. It also displays his leather padukas, long robes and a smoking pipe. In addition to this, the museum also showcases water tumblers, gramophone records, bathing stone and cooking utensils. Kafni (the long robes), leather padukas (footwear) and his smoking pipe, gramophone records, water tumblers, cooking utensils and bathing stone on display were all used by Sai Baba during his lifetime.

Upasani Maharaj Ashram,Shirdi

Upasni Maharaj, born Kashinath Govindrao Upasni, was considered by his disciples to be a satguru. He lived in Sakori, India and is said to have received God-realization from Sai Baba of Shirdi. Sakori is located in Ahmednagar District of Maharashtra, about 5 kilometres (3 mi) from Shirdi.

Overview

Born in a Hindu Brahmin family at Satana near Nasik on 15th May 1870, Kashinath became Sadguru Upasni Maharaj with the divine grace of Shri Sadguru Narayan Maharaj of Kedgaon and Shri Sadguru Sai Baba of Shirdi. His father was Govind Shastri and mother Rukhminibai. His grandfather Gopal Shastri was a learned Pundit or a Hindu scholar, with a spiritual temperament. Kashinath was the second of the five brothers. As a child he was very energetic and not very fond of school and studies, but took lessons from his grandfather and studied “Shastras”, which he learned with great interest.

Kashinath as a child had difficult days with his health and education. He often kept aloof, visiting nearby forests and spending time in meditation and “Dhyana”. His parents observed this reluctance for the world in his nature and married him to a Hindu girl Durga, when Kashinath was 14 years old, and Durga only 8 years. But one year after the marriage his wife died. Kashinath was now again in search of his inner quest; in 1885 he married again.

But his inner quest pressed upon him and he again left the normal life and went in search of the inner truth. This time he went to the forest area of Kalyan and came to a mountain called Bhorgad near Nasik, and remained inside a cave for nearly nine months. After spending so much time in a cave in this debilitated condition Kashinath was nursed by the villagers of Gavalwadi, and returned back to his home. Within one year of his return this time his father, grandfather and second wife all died. And his relatives arranged his third marriage.

History

Upasani Maharaj Ashram is the ashram of a saint of the 20th century, Upasani Maharaj, who was an ardent disciple of Sai Baba. Situated off the Shirdi-Ahmednagar State Highway, the ashram contains the samadhi of the Maharaj and one of his disciples.

In 1892, to earn bread and butter for the family he came to Sangli and studied “Ayurveda” the Ancient Indian system of medicine. In 1895 he started working as a physician at Satana and later at Amravati. He also edited a Marathi monthly magazine “Bheshaj Ratnavali ” for three years. By this time he had become very successful as a “Vaidhya”, and had acquired wealth and fame. He also acquired hundreds of acres of land near Gwalior and started farming. But within two years numerous law suits were instituted against him. After having lost everything he came back to Amravati in 1908. Kashinath now completely lost all interest in and attachment to the material world and his search for inner truth became stronger and stronger.

The one day when Kashinath heard of Shri Sadguru Narayan Maharaj of Kedgaon, happening to visit Nagpur, he was drawn to His darshan. He joined the line queue for darshan, but when darshan began, Maharaj spotted him and called Kashinath near Him. Kashinath fell at the feet of the Master, and Maharaj removed a Garland from His neck and put it around Kashinath, before the mammoth gathering. This was the gift of the Sadguru, which rarely one gets and rarely those who witness, understand.