Shri Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir is one of the most popular religious sites in India and a must-visit in Shiridi. The temple complex houses the sacred tomb of the revered saint Sai Baba and attracts millions of visitors every year. Devotees believe that just by being here, one can feel the spiritual presence of Sai Baba. The mornings are the most peaceful and ideal time to visit the temple for prayers. However, during festive times, the temple can get very crowded. The darshan queues can be long, so it is advisable to book a VIP or online darshan ticket. The temple complex also hosts a museum and a library with several interesting exhibits on Baba's life and teachings.
Lendi Baug is a serene garden that was one of Sai Baba's favorite spots for meditation during his lifetime. The garden has several rare trees and plants, including a neem tree under which Baba is believed to have sat. The garden also has a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and a mosque. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the garden or sit in the shade of the trees and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. The garden can get crowded during weekends and festival times, so it is advisable to visit early in the day.
Dwarkamai Masjid is a sacred mosque that was converted into a dwelling place by Sai Baba during his lifetime. The mosque is a symbol of Sai Baba's message of universal love, brotherhood, and interfaith harmony. Visitors can see the sacred fireplace where Baba used to light the dhuni (fire) that has been burning continuously for over 100 years. The mosque also has a lamp that was lit by Sai Baba and which has been burning non-stop for over a century. Devotees believe that worshipping at Dwarkamai can cure all kinds of physical and spiritual ailments.
Shani Shingnapur is a unique village that is famous for its temple dedicated to Lord Shani, the Hindu god of justice. The specialty of this temple is that there is no roof or door for the sanctum sanctorum. Also, there are no reported thefts even though the houses have no doors. The village's unique feature has attracted the attention of visitors from all over the world. Visitors can witness the unique temple and the village's everyday life by walking through the streets. The temple can get crowded during weekends, so it is advisable to visit early in the day.
Trimbakeshwar Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located near Nashik and dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has one of the twelve jyotirlingas (manifestations of Lord Shiva) and attracts thousands of devotees every day. The temple is known for its unique architecture, featuring intricate carvings and sculptures. Visitors can also explore the nearby Brahmagiri hills and take a dip in the holy waters of the Kushavarta Kund. The temple can get crowded during festive times, so it is advisable to plan the visit accordingly.
If you have more time, you can include a visit to the Sai Heritage Village, which showcases Sai Baba's lifestyle and teachings. Food lovers can try traditional Marathi delicacies such as vada pav, misal pav, and puran poli. If you have less time, you can skip the Trimbakeshwar Temple and visit the Pandavleni Caves, ancient rock-cut Buddhist caves situated in Nashik. Do carry comfortable footwear and clothing as the temple premises involve lots of walking. It is advisable to visit the temples at the opening times to avoid long queues and heavy crowds. Lastly, do respect the local customs and traditions and maintain cleanliness in all the places you visit.