Temples in Shirdi

In the evening after visiting the Samadhi Temple, we decided to take a stroll around Shirdi and see some of the other places which were graced by Sai Baba.

Shri Dakshinmukhi Hanuman Mandir

First in line was the Hanuman Temple. This temple has a life size black idol of Lord Hanuman also known as Maruti. Sai Baba used to perform satsangs (religious discourse) here.

Dakshinmukhi Hanuman Mandir - Shirdi
[ Dakshinmukhi Hanuman Mandir ]

Idol of Dakshinmukhi Hanuman Mandir - Shirdi
[ Life size black idol of Lord Hanuman in the temple ]

Shri Chavadi

A few paces ahead is Shri Chavadi. On every alternate day Sai Baba used to proceed in procession from Dwarkamai to this place and halt at night here. Even today, every Thursday, a palanquin procession of his photo, padukas (foot prints) and satka (baton) is taken to this place. It has a large portrait of Baba which you can see in the photograph, a wooden bed and a chair belonging to him.

Shree Chavadi in Shirdi
[ Shree Chavadi ]

Haji Abdul Baba’s cottage

The small cottage is located directly opposite the Chavadi. Abdul Baba was an ardent devotee of Sai Baba. There are some photographs of the things handled by Sai Baba and Abdul Baba. He also looked after the Lendi Baug described below.

Haji AbdulBabas cottage - Shirdi
[ Haji AbdulBabas cottage ]

Lendi Baug

In the adjoining lane is situated Lendi Baug, a garden which Sai Baba had Himself made and came here to water the plants everyday. There is a Neem tree here, under which He used to take rest every morning and afternoon. There is also a Dutta Temple in the garden and a Samadhi of the horse which belonged to Baba. It also has a well dug up by Baba and His devotees. At the entrance of the Lendi Baug there are Samadhi's of devoted Sai bhaktas Tatya Kote Patil, Bhau Maharaj Kumbhar, Nanavalli and Abdul Baba. I could not visit the place due to lack of time.

Dwarkamai

Spanning almost half a decade, Sai Baba spent His entire life in Shirdi in a mosque which He had named Dwarkamai. From here, He showered His love and care on not only the village of Shirdi but on all the devotees coming from far and wide. It contains a beautiful portrait of Him on a large stone on which He used to sit. There is also a dhuni (sacred flame) which keeps burning continuously and is never extinguished. It is the second most visited place in Shirdi after the Samadhi Temple.

Long Queue for Dwarkamai Temple darshan in Shirdi, the golden spire of the Samadhi Temple in the background
[ Long Queue for Dwarkamai darshan,
the golden spire of the Samadhi Temple in the background ]

Mahalaxmi Temple

It is not a well known temple but I visited it as it was situated just outside my hotel. Besides the life size idol of Goddess Laxmi – the Goddess of wealth, it also houses Navgraha idols and a Shivling.

Mahalaxmi Temple besides the Pilgrims Inn Hotel in Shirdi
[ Mahalaxmi Temple besides the Pilgrims Inn Hotel ]

Idol of Goddess Laxmi in the sanctum
[ Idol of Goddess Devi Laxmi in the sanctum ]

Post a Comment

27 Comments

  1. Dear Arti
    Very nice posting!! I am visiting Shirdi through you . ( sort of Arm chair pilgrimage ha ha). I liked it.
    Have a nice day

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  2. The Mahalaxami Temple is sure different from most of the others, it almost looks a bit Mexican or South American! We have quite a few Mexican restaraunts around here that look just like it!

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  3. Another wonderful post. Thanks for this.

    All the best, Boonie

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  4. As I read about places that Sai Baba was, I am reminded of our trip to Hawaii. Although he was not a god, King Kamehameha (who united the Hawaiian islands) is revered in Hawaii. We visited many sites in which he was mentioned.

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  5. Very good post. Hope i would be able to visit Shirdi. Shall book mark for info.

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  6. how wonderful to visit so many sacred places, thanks for another remarkable journey.

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  7. Arti,
    nice post . I read this in the morning and thought made a comment too, but lo!! it's not there. I loved reading it.

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  8. I am sorry you had to write the comment all over again... Actually I was in the process of publishing them while doing other things alongside...
    Thanks for your concern.

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  9. I am reminded of my Shirdi Visit. Nice post Arti

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  10. Nice place. never been there but feel like going now...

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  11. What a wonderful idea to have this kind of blog -very insightful and useful! glad to have stumbled upon it ....

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  12. You have captured beautifully this place. I could not do so myself as it was very much crowded.

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  13. I would like to see all the temples if I would get a chance to visit Shirdi.You are consistently working with great intentions.May god bless you!

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  14. Haven't been to Shirdi yet.. Good to see the pics

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  15. Wonderful post! I go to Shirdi frequently at least once in 6 months. And yes, all these temples are part of the darshan when I go!

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  16. Really felt as if I visited Shirdi. Very good work Arti. Keep it up.

    God bless :)

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  17. That's a superb presentation...! I'm going to dig your archives now as a follower...!

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  18. Feeling great to visit shirdi , my lord sai baba blesses will be for all !

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  19. This fuels my temptation to reach Shirdi ASAP. I will reach there 3rd week of May. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience for the common benefit of all people who wish to make a visit to this holy place.

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  20. Glad to read it all. I will reach this holy place on 3rd week of May, 2014. Your article provoked me to reach there ASAP. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience for the common benefit of all travel folks, especially, the spiritual loving people.

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