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 ]

[ 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 ]

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 ]

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 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 ]

[ Idol of Goddess Devi Laxmi in the sanctum ]