Location of Prati Shirdi
Prati Shirdi Shirgaon is a temple and a pilgrimage site located in Shirgaon, a village in Mawal taluka of Pune district in Maharashtra, India It is situated near the old Pune-Mumbai Highway, about 40 km from Pune city It is a replica of the original Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in Shirdi, where Sri Sai Baba (1838-1918), a revered saint and spiritual master of many religions, lived and attained samadhi (a state of consciousness). Prati Shirdi is Famous tourist attraction near Pune, Visit during Pune to Dehu-Alandi One day Trip by cab
Opening Timing/ Entry Fees Prati Shirdi
Prati Shirdi Shirgaon is open for visitors from 6:00 am to 10:30 pm every day. There is no entry fee for visiting the temple. However, visitors are expected to pay a nominal donation at the temple for maintenance and cleanliness purposes
Things to Do /Must See Prati Shirdi
Prati Shirdi Shirgaon is a place of religious and cultural importance. Visitors can do the following things at Prati Shirdi Shirgaon:
- Have a darshan (viewing) of the idol of Sri Sai Baba, which is made of marble and resembles the one in Shirdi. The idol is placed in a silver throne under a silver umbrella. The idol also has a silver crown and a garland of flowers
- Witness the rituals and ceremonies that are performed at the temple, such as abhishek (bathing), aarti (waving of lamps), bhajan (devotional songs), etc. The temple also hosts various festivals throughout the year, such as Ram Navami in March-April, Guru Purnima in July-August, Vijayadashami in September-October, etc
- Explore the other temples and shrines that are located near the temple, such as Gurusthan (the place where Sai Baba first appeared as a boy), Dwarkamai (the mosque where Sai Baba lived), Chavadi (the place where Sai Baba slept every alternate night), etc. These temples are dedicated to various forms and aspects of Sri Sai Baba and his teachings
- Enjoy the scenic view of the surrounding landscape from the temple. Visitors can see the hills and valleys of Pune and Lonavala, the Karha river, the Purandar fort, etc. from the temple. The temple also offers a spectacular view of the sunset and sunrise
Significance of Prati Shirdi
Prati Shirdi Shirgaon is considered to be an exact copy of the original Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in Shirdi. It was built by Mr Prakash Deole, a former legislative council member and founder trustee of the Pratishirdi Shri Saibaba Mandir Trust, Shirgaon in 2003. It was a miracle of sorts as Mr Deole, an active politician, turned to spiritualism and decided to build an inch by inch replica of the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple at this nondescript village of Shirgaon. He claimed that Sai Baba appeared in his dreams and guided him to build this temple
Prati Shirdi Shirgaon is a place of devotion and faith for the followers of Sri Sai Baba and his philosophy of Sabka Malik Ek (One God governs all). Sri Sai Baba was a saint who preached universal brotherhood and harmony among all religions. He performed many miracles and helped many people with their problems. He taught his devotees to love God, serve humanity, and surrender to his will. He is worshipped by people of different faiths such as Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, etc
Prati Shirdi Shirgaon is also a place of architectural and artistic beauty. The temple is built in a modern style with stone and lime mortar. The temple walls have carvings similar to those found in ancient temples. The interior is decorated with woodwork and paintings depicting scenes from Sai Baba’s life and miracles. The idol of Sri Sai Baba is carved in marble and painted with white oil paint. It has four arms holding a lotus, an axe, a rosary and a water pot. He also wears a white robe and a headscarf
FAQ’s
Some of the frequently asked questions about Prati Shirdi Shirgaon are:
- Q: How to reach Prati Shirdi Shirgaon?
- A: Prati Shirdi Shirgaon can be reached by road, rail, or air. The nearest airport is Pune International Airport, which is about 40 km away from Shirgaon. The nearest railway station is Pune Railway Station, which is about 35 km away from Shirgaon. From Pune or Mumbai, one can take a bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw to reach Shirgaon. Shirgaon is also well connected by road to other cities in Maharashtra and India
- Q: When is the best time to visit Prati Shirdi Shirgaon?
- A: The best time to visit Prati Shirdi Shirgaon is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and cool. This is also the time when the Ram Navami and Vijayadashami festivals take place, which are the main festivals of Sri Sai Baba and attract lakhs of devotees and tourists. However, one can visit Prati Shirdi Shirgaon anytime of the year as it has a religious and cultural significance throughout the year
- Q: What are the rules and regulations for visiting Prati Shirdi Shirgaon?
- A: Visitors are expected to follow some rules and regulations while visiting Prati Shirdi Shirgaon. These include:
- Dressing modestly and respectfully as Prati Shirdi Shirgaon is a sacred place for Sai Baba’s devotees.
- Removing shoes and leather items before entering any temple or shrine near the temple.
- Not consuming alcohol, meat, or eggs near the temple as it is a vegetarian area.
- Not littering or polluting the temple or its surroundings.
- Not taking photographs or videos of people bathing or performing rituals at the temple without their permission.
- Respecting the local culture and customs and not disturbing the peace and harmony of the place
Conclusion
Prati Shirdi Shirgaon is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the devotion and grace of Sri Sai Baba and his philosophy of Sabka Malik Ek. The temple offers a serene and scenic view of nature as well as an exact replica of the original Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in Shirdi. The temple also hosts various events and activities that make it a lively and vibrant place. Prati Shirdi Shirgaon is a place where one can find peace, joy, and blessings.
