Shirdi is famously known as the home of the late 19th-century saint shri sai baba. The Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust located in Shirdi is one of the richest temple organisations. The Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Temple is a religious place in Shirdi, Maharashtra in India, that is dedicated to Shri Sai Baba, who is considered to be one of the greatest saints to have been born in India. Sai Baba is believed to have been blessed with unprecedented powers, and he is worshipped as God incarnate in the Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Temple.
This is a must-visit holy place for all devotees of Sai Baba who wish to experience what pure tranquillity and bliss feel like and be closer to God for a while. The temple complex is spread over a total area of around 200 square metres and is located in the heart of Shirdi Village. It is a significant centre for devotees from all across the world and is visited by 25,000 devotees on average each day. On festivals and certain special occasions, the number rises to 1,00,000 devotees per day.
The temple premises was recently renovated in the year 1998 and now is equipped with all modern day and necessary facilities such as Darshan Lane, Prasadalay which serves lunch and dinner, Donation Counters, Prasad Counters, Canteen, Book Stall, Railway Reservation Counter and others. Accommodation facilities are also available for devotees who visit the temple from far-off places. What makes Shirdi an important religious place is the fact that it was here that Sai Baba made his appearance as a young boy, and he remained here all through his life, helping people and changing their lives. The Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Temple premises are spread over an area of 200 square metres and receive a footfall of about 25,000 devotees each day.
The temple complex in Shirdi includes the Samadhi Mandir, which houses the tomb of Sai Baba, and various other buildings and structures dedicated to him. Devotees come from all over the world to pay their respects and seek his blessings. The town's economy revolves around religious tourism, with hotels, shops, and businesses catering to the needs of pilgrims. The legacy of Sai Baba extends beyond Shirdi, and his teachings continue to inspire millions of people globally. His philosophy of "Shraddha" (faith) and "Saburi" (patience) resonates with people seeking spiritual growth and enlightenment. It is essential to note that the historical accounts of Sai Baba's life are based on oral traditions and written records from his followers. Due to the lack of precise historical documentation, some aspects of his life remain shrouded in mystery and subject to various interpretations .
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The premises are well equipped with all necessary facilities such as canteens, Prasad counters, book stalls and donation counters. Apart from that, the complex also houses the Khandoba Temple, Gurusthan, Samadhi Mandir, Dwarkamai, Chavadi, Lendi Gardens, and a few other temples. The Khandoba Temple is considered to be the spot where Sai Baba first stopped upon his entrance into Shirdi, and also the place where he got his name.
Gurusthan means 'place of the Guru', and it is the place where Baba spent most of his time when he first arrived at Shirdi; and also where, according to Baba, the tomb of his Guru is located by the Neem tree. From underneath this Neem tree, there is an underground tunnel or passage that leads to the place of Dwarkamai. Sai Baba is regarded as a mysterious Fakir who appeared as a young man in Shirdi and spent his entire life in that village. He stated that his mission was to give blessings to all those who seek his help, without any discrimination.
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It is widely believed that he did indeed transform multiple lives in numerous ways: he cured the sick, saved men's lives, protected the defenceless, granted offspring to couples, prevented innumerable accidents, brought people into harmony and peace with their inner self as well as with the others, helped in their financial gain, and also helped people to evolve and transform spiritually. Devotees do not consider this Fakir to be a mere Baba; instead, he is believed to be a God himself, and it is believed that he continues to transform and improve people's lives even to this date, by helping those who pray and call him in times of emergency.
This is why people from all parts of the country visit the Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Temple in large numbers to pay homage to Sai Baba and to experience his promise of never ceasing to help his devotees in need, even from his tomb after his death. The main Saibaba temple is spread across 4.5 acres and the other Shri saibaba sansthan trust's activities are dotted over around 350 acres. The Shirdi town has a population of around 25,000 and the Saibaba temple is visited by over 50,000 devotees daily, cutting across faith lines, which adds to over two crore followers from India around the world annually.
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