Shirdis

Shirdis refers to the city of Shirdi, located in the Rahata taluka of the Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra, India. It is renowned as the holy abode of the spiritual guru Sai Baba, who lived in Shirdi from 1858 until his death in 1918. Sai Baba is revered by his devotees as a saint, fakir, and satguru, and is a figure of immense spiritual significance for Hindus and Muslims alike.

The city has transformed into a major pilgrimage destination, attracting millions of devotees from across India and the world annually. The central attraction is the Samadhi Mandir, the temple housing the samadhi (tomb) of Sai Baba, which was originally the Dwarkamai Mosque where he spent much of his life. Other important sites include Gurusthan, believed to be the place where Sai Baba first appeared under a neem tree, and Khandoba Raya Mandir, where he was given the name Sai Baba.

The infrastructure of Shirdi has developed significantly to accommodate the influx of pilgrims. Numerous dharamshalas (pilgrim rest houses), hotels, and guest houses provide accommodation. The Sai Baba Sansthan Trust manages the temple complex and various charitable activities, including free meals and medical services for devotees. The presence of Sai Baba has made Shirdi a place of deep spiritual devotion and a hub for religious tourism.