Monday, 17 December 2012

Shirdi Holy Places in the Shri Saibaba Samadhi Mandir Premises, Shirdi Temple

In the Shirdi Saibaba Mandir premises, Shirdi, apart from the Saibaba Mandir, there are many Holy Places located in Shirdi Samadhi Mandir Premises. The holy places are as follows....

Dwarkamai (Masjid)
It is located within the Samadhi Mandhir Complex.This was the SaiBaba's abode continuously for sixty years till He took Samadhi. Sai 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 is distributed from this Dhuni to devotees. ('Grinding Wheel' and 'Chul' on which Baba used to cook food here and distribute it amongst his devotees is also kept here for darshan)

Chavadi
The Chavadi is located close to the Samadhi Mandir Complex on the eastern side. On every alternate day, Baba used to proceed in a procession from Dwarkamai to Chavadi at night and sleep there. Even now, on every Thursday between 9.15 and 10.00 p.m., Baba's Photo, Holy Padukas (footwear) and Satka (baton) are taken in a Palaquin(Pallaki) procession to the Chavadi.

Gurusthan
It is located behind the Samadhi Mandir. In this place, Sai Baba was first spotted here when He was a lad of sixteen. Baba used to refer to this spot as His Guru's (Mentor's) location and hence known as 'Gurusthan'. The famous Margosa (Neem) tree referred to in the Shri Sai Satcharitra stands here. 

Lendi Baug 
Lendi Baug is loacted within the Saibaba Samadhi MAndir complex. SaiBaba used to go for a stroll in this Baug (Garden). Nanda-Deep (Sacred Oil Lamp) is continuously kept burning near the Peepal tree planted by Baba Himself in this Garden. A small Datta Mandir is also situated here. Baba's beloved horse Shyamsunder was laid to eternal rest here. There is also a well, called "Baba's Shivadi", in this garden. 

Museum Hall
Personal items used by Baba during his lifetime like his drinking vessel (Tumbler), Padukas (footwear), Satka (Baton), Grinder, Gramophones, a Bowl of Hukka, Horse Bridle, the Kaphani and Sandals worn by Baba and the original photographs of Baba are all kept in the Museum Hall for all Sai devotees.

Khandoba Mandir 
This Temple is located near the Shri Saibaba Hospital on the Nagar-Manmad Road. The story goes that the marriage party of Chand Patil's wife's nephew came to Shirdi and took shelter under the banyan tree located near this temple. When Shri Saibaba, who had accompanied this marriage party, alighted with others in the open ground of this temple, the Pujari (Priest) of the temple welcomed this Young Ascetic with the words "Aao Sai" ("Come Sai")