Pay Homage at the Holy Samadhi Mandir While Staying at Hotels in Shirdi
Samadhi Mandir, a shrine in the Shirdi temple complex, houses the tomb of Shri Saibaba. It was originally built as a wada or large private house during his last years as a human being. He took up this land (earlier a dumping ground) to develop it as a garden and grew some jasmine and marigold plants. Later, a wealthy devotee, named Gopalrao Booty, constructed a shrine on this pious land. Owing to its reverence, this shrine witnesses a huge influx of domestic and international tourists all round the year. Devotees offer flowers, garlands, fruits, sweets, clothes and shawls at this Samadhi and seek blessings. With its popularity growing by each passing year, several budget and premium hotels in Shirdi have come up in proximity to this temple and other popular attractions of the city.
History
It is believed that Gopalrao Booty got the inspiration to build this mausoleum in his dream when he was sleeping beside Shama, his friend and fellow devotee of Baba. Booty informed about it to his friend who saw a similar dream and therefore, suggested him to build a shrine. The foundation stone was laid in the year 1915 under the supervision of Shama and later on, Bapusaheb took over this job.
Inside the Tomb
Devotees throng to this city to catch a glimpse of the living idol of Baba positioned in the tomb. It is an exquisite statue portraying grace and benevolence. Baba is seated in a composed and relaxed posture gazing benignly on thousands of visitors who flock to this revered shrine. This white marble sculpture was made by Balaji Vasant Talim, a sculptor from Bombay and was installed in the temple on October 7, 1954.
The idol, adorned with a gold crown, is the most revered in structure in Shirdi and hence, people give all due respect to it. Due to their love and affection, devotees take full care this idol of Baba and treat it like a living God. Each morning, it is given a bath and offered incense (this ritual in known as Bhupali). Caretakers offer three meals and change clothes four times (before each aarti) a day.
This temple also houses a museum that displays some belongings of Baba, which include three pairs of sandals, his clothes in a glass cupboard, cooking pots and a silver palanquin.
How to Reach
A small and calm town, Shirdi is located in Rahata Tehasil of Ahmednagar district, which is in the south-western state of Maharashtra. There are many trains operating from different cities and towns for Shirdi. Upon arriving at the railway station, tourists can hire a taxi or private cab to visit this temple and nearby attractions.
Accommodation
As mentioned, there is no dearth of accommodation options in this holy town. Travellers who are looking for an affordable lodging can choose from several budget hotels in Shirdi. These hotels provide a comfortable stay and offer sightseeing tour of the city.
History
It is believed that Gopalrao Booty got the inspiration to build this mausoleum in his dream when he was sleeping beside Shama, his friend and fellow devotee of Baba. Booty informed about it to his friend who saw a similar dream and therefore, suggested him to build a shrine. The foundation stone was laid in the year 1915 under the supervision of Shama and later on, Bapusaheb took over this job.
Inside the Tomb
Devotees throng to this city to catch a glimpse of the living idol of Baba positioned in the tomb. It is an exquisite statue portraying grace and benevolence. Baba is seated in a composed and relaxed posture gazing benignly on thousands of visitors who flock to this revered shrine. This white marble sculpture was made by Balaji Vasant Talim, a sculptor from Bombay and was installed in the temple on October 7, 1954.
The idol, adorned with a gold crown, is the most revered in structure in Shirdi and hence, people give all due respect to it. Due to their love and affection, devotees take full care this idol of Baba and treat it like a living God. Each morning, it is given a bath and offered incense (this ritual in known as Bhupali). Caretakers offer three meals and change clothes four times (before each aarti) a day.
This temple also houses a museum that displays some belongings of Baba, which include three pairs of sandals, his clothes in a glass cupboard, cooking pots and a silver palanquin.
How to Reach
A small and calm town, Shirdi is located in Rahata Tehasil of Ahmednagar district, which is in the south-western state of Maharashtra. There are many trains operating from different cities and towns for Shirdi. Upon arriving at the railway station, tourists can hire a taxi or private cab to visit this temple and nearby attractions.
Accommodation
As mentioned, there is no dearth of accommodation options in this holy town. Travellers who are looking for an affordable lodging can choose from several budget hotels in Shirdi. These hotels provide a comfortable stay and offer sightseeing tour of the city.