Malspie Reveals her Missing Hide-Out Place!

It was time to go to the divine shrine and find out the Puja timings etc.. We had decided we will not stand in the queue for darshan as our dear friend was having a painful right leg. Baba is aware of his problems and he will not punish us. We walked in from Gate No. 4 for “Mukha darshan” of Baba. We sat there for sometime and lo! We got our evening Aarti too, no matter we were a bit far away!
I noticed that there was no much rush, but still the management followed the same long queue path which will make darshan impossible for senior devotees, devotees with health problems, devotees who have infants etc.. The queue path to be followed was starting from Gate No. 1 and then it was going to another block then to another then downstairs then take a bend and come to the block where the actual ‘Samadhi’ is! With around 1500 and odd devotees, the queue path could have easily been shortened. IndianTemple queue system makes life impossible for the weak and the poor too. Security was perfect and they were not even allowing us to meet the management! “Pay 1 Lakh rupee donation, you will get special privilege to enter from ‘this’ enterance”, was the statement made by one of the security. I went to the administrative block and got Abhishek Puja Tickets for all of us. We wanted to join the first Abhishek of the day at 7.00 a.m.
Once again, we went to the “Mukha Darshan” entrance and prayed to Baba! We decided to go to Drawakamai block. The queue here was not very long and we managed to stand and get through for darshan in 15 minutes! ‘Sai Baba Ki Jai’.
We strolled in the entire premises slowly pacing with the steps of our injured friend. It was time to get back to the resort for some delicious dinner. “Neem” (the restaurant of resort) did come out with delicious dishes. We did not want to try out the “Thali”, so ordered for Vegetable Jalfrezi, Chapattis, Mixed Vegetable Raita, Dal Fry and Jeera Rice. It was past 11 when we entered our room and were fagged out gals. We cursed the system that Indian Temples follow where there is no special privilege for the sick and old, without influence we become helpless. My friend was given a good leg massage and hot water treatment. He was first put to sleep and we were busy chatting till past midnight. We set our alarms for 3.00 in the morning, called up room service to confirm the availability of hot water. The moment we hit the pillow, we knocked off to sleep.


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I was the first one to wake up and rush to the cloak room! I turned all taps but no hot water seem to be coming in, I left it running for sometime and finished my other routines, all the time taking care that I do not disturb my friends who are dead asleep. I was also proud that I have beaten the alarm! It was time for me to hit the shower and still there was no sign of any hot water. I called up room service and whispered to them on the intercom about the dismay, left the door open for him to come and attend to the problem. Suddenly, there was steaming hot water puring from the tap and shower too, that guy has turned on the boiler only after I have told him! He walked in talking loudly and this broke the sleep of my friends. “Mals, you woke up so soon”, they murmured in daze. I looked at the watch to tell them what time I woke up and Lo! It was past 4.30 a.m.! We missed the Kakad Aarti! How come none of us hear the alarm! Had the journey taken the toll on your system and put us to peaceful rest, did Shirdi Sai, decide to bless us walking in to our room looking at the devotion we had for him (let us be positive yaar), is still a mystery. Repeated ring of alarm did not reach four pair of ears, does this sound funny to you all here, it does!
We quickly had our shower (girls first – please) and actually finished dolling up only after the guys wore their shoes! Girls are girls aren’t they! I had to wear my next new set of Salwar Suit and could not let myself go away from the mirror (slight Mirror Mania symptoms prevailed in me!).
We reached the temple at 6.00 and again went for another round of “Mukha Darshan” of divine ‘Sai’. We were not permitted to enter from Gate No.3 and had to go again walking to Gate No.1 which is hell of a distance. We were very concerned about our friend who was limping his way out. Walking had become difficult for him, we held his hands from both the sides and paced slowly with him. He was upset with the administrators, management and we were supporting his emotional outburst. I was ahead to find out the way to Abhishek Block, yes, it is different from other blocks. I could see the pain in our friend’s eyes. I asked him to sit on a raised parapet and climbed up to find out exactly what time the puja would start. Very few people had gathered up there and we had some time to sit down peacefully. All of us were having mild head ache too, as we had skipped our morning cuppa. After spending some 10 minutes down, we decided to go upstairs and hold seats. There was a medium sized Sai’s idol and two pandits had just walked in. There was another queue to collect the “Puja Basket”. I asked my friends to sit and went to collect baskets against the receipt. Abhishek Puja was divine and it gives every inch of satisfaction as we too participate in reciting the mantras. The puja got over exactly after one hour and we proceeded downstairs.
We decided to have some cold masala milk and walked to the Gate. One final “Mukha Darshan” of Sai Baba was waiting for us. Shraddha is more important than show-off, with full devotion we bowed our head and prayed for a long time. Now, it was time to move on to the next journey after breaking in for a hearty break-fast. We called in for Masala Dosa and hot cuppa of tea refreshed us! Back to the room and it was time for my prayers. Our injured friend got his second round of massage and rest. He went to sleep along with others and I sat on the couch for my routine prayers. After my hourly prayer routine, I packed my bags and slowly sneaked in to the blanket and dozed off. It was sound sleep my friends.

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Pictures of the Holy Shrine, Samadhi Mandir as mentioned in the post above.

More posts of the Shirdi Sai Baba Samadhi, Paduka etc.

Later one of our friends went down to clean the car, Rani had coats of dust and mud on her due to the torrential rain of last evening. Bills were footed at the reception and we got ready for our next destination fully excited. It is fun to live in suitcases at times, dearies!

By Air	MumbaiAirport – 282 kms from Shirdi AurangabadAirport – 150 kms from Shirdi PuneAirport – 282 kms from Shirdi NashikAirport is 90 kms from Shirdi
By Rail	Manmad Junction – 58 kms (Manmad is closer than Nashik) Kopargaon – 16 kms
By Road:	Mumbai to Shirdi – 296 kms ( 6 to 6.5 hours drive) Private Volvo A.C and Non A.C. Buses, S.T. Buses, Taxis, Cool Cabs, also ply to Shirdi from Mumbai.

Travel Route and Kilometers
Trimbakeshwar – Nashik – Sinnar – Shirdi = 130 kms

About ShirdiSaiBabaTemple and Sai Baba
The temple is situated in a small village called Shirdi of Ahmednagar District in MaharashtraState of India. The nearest railway station is Manmad. Regular buses and taxis ferry people to the shrine 365 days a year. The temple is spread in a vast land of approx. 200 sq.mtrs.
It is believed a small boy by name Sai arrived at Shirdi in the year 1854 and the mystery of his parents and other roots remains unsolved till date. Sai who was later called as Saibaba broke the shackles of caste and religion. He spread love and happiness in the village and left this world in the year 1920. Sai Baba is commemorated in the form of his shrine at Shirdi. The main shrine is known as the ‘SamadhiTemple’. Baba Sai was actually buried here and a Samadhi was built on the spot. A marble idol of Sai Baba is made and kept here in the year 1954. The famous picture of Baba you see around the world is of this idol. You can see the idol from any entrance and that is the charm of the Shirdi Ke Baba. He leans for his devotees and is ever ready to solve your problems.
My mention of “Dwarakamai” is the place where Baba would sit whole day on a large stone. The stone is still there and a picture of Sai Baba is kept on it for us to worship. A holy dhuni is found burning day and night just few steps before the stone. The loban you buy from the vendors outside is to be put in this dhuni. I saw a sheer waste of the loban which was scattered all over the floor for devotees to have a catwalk! When are we going to improve? This dhuni was started by Sai Baba who would remove the white ash (Vibhuthi) and give to his devotees. Even today we get the Vibhuti as ‘Prasad’ from the puja counter. The Vibhuti has healing powers.
The amazing part of “Dwarakamai” is you will find a Tulasi Plant, a grinding stone, a bathing stone, Stove, Wooden Pillar, a bag of grains (still perfect), Padukas of Sai Baba. All these were part of Sai Baba’s life and they are exactly in the same place as placed by Baba years ago! My 15 minutes of standing in the queue was to bow my head to all these items which have enjoyed the divine touch of Sai Baba!
Sai Baba would took rest at “Chavdi” which is in the temple complex itself. Also visit the “Gurusthan” where Sai Baba would take rest under a Neem tree which has sweet leaves!
Lendi Nall and Nandadeep are also in the complex which has got the divine touch of Sai Baba.
Now you all know why millions of devotees from all over the world throng to this place every year!

Around 1,00,000 devotees visit the temple during festive occasions and an average of 20 to 30,000 devotees on weekends. The current temple was renovated in the year 1998-99 and has various blocks in one premises viz, donation block, Prasad block, book stall block, administrative block, Abhishek Block, Block for darshan queue, Canteen Block, Prasadalya Block (Lunch and Dinner). It has counters for offering donations, for collecting funds to perform Abhisheks, Satyanarayana Puja and other religious rituals as per the schedule given below:

Daily Programme at Shirdi
4.00 a.m.	TempleOpens
4.15 a.m.	Bhupali
4.30 a.m.	Kakad Aarti (First Aarti of the Day)
5.00 a.m.	Bhajan in Mandir
`5.05 a.m.	Mangal Snaan (Holy Bath) of Sai Baba in Samadhi Mandir
5.35 a.m.	The famous Aarti “Shirdi Majhe Pandarpur” (Shirdi is my Pandarpur- Now what is Pandarpur – here is the holy shrine of Vittal Vittal Jai Jai Vittal)
7.00 to 8.00 a.m.	Abhishek Puja in a separate block
9.00 to 10.00 a.m.	Abhishek Puja in a separate block
8.00 to 10.30 a.m.	Satyanarayana Puja
11.30 a.m.	Dhuni Puja in Dwarkamai with Rice and Ghee
12.00 p.m.	Aarti Mid-Day
12.30 to 1.30 p.m.	Abhishek Puja ( in a separate block)
4.00 p.m.	Pothi Vachan (Devotional Readings) in Samadhi Mandir
Sunset	Dhoop Aarti
8.30 to 10.30 p.m.	Devotional Songs in Samadhi Mandir and Cultural Programmes (echoes in the Mandir)
9.00 p.m.	Chavadi later Gurusthan closes
9.30 p.m.	Sai Baba is given water in Dwarakamai, a mosquito net is hung and a hanging lamp is lit
9.45 p.m.	The upper section of Dwarakamai closes
10.30 p.m.	Shej Aarti (Night). After Aarti, Baba’s statue in the Samadhi Mandir is wrapped with a shawl, a rudraksha mala is put around his neck, a mosquito net is hung for protection and a glass of water is kept for Baba to drink
11.15 p.m.	Samadhi Mandir closes after Shej Aarti

Devotees are requested to note that Abhishek Puja is conducted in three batches for a small amount or Rs.101/- per person or couple. Temple also provides lodging facility for devotees.

Our next trip was to the famous Shani Shinganapur temple in Ahmednagar district itself. We decided to halt on the way for lunch! There was no sign of tiredness on any of us and we were raring to go, including our injured friend. Rani as usual was ready to take the journey and we bagan to drive towards Ghodegaon in Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra State, India. As we have been to this temple quiet often, we had mastered the route. It is time for me to warn my friends here about “parking clout”. Around 100 kms away from the temple, you will find some men with very good physique, rolled up sleeves standing right in front of your vehicle and asking you turn your vehicle to the right (pointing towards a place!). Most of the first time visitors may fall prey to these “Henchmen”. They did not budge though we were making signs from inside that we are going to drive straight. We did not bother to roll the glass and talk to them, they were around 3 to 4 of them and were blocking the vehicle. Brave hearts like us do not succumb to such pressures and I want my readers also to keep this in their mind if ever they visit this temple. Maharashtra Government has provided ample parking facility just a stone’s throw away from the main temple and we can drive straight to the place. In the same premises we have vendors selling all the puja articles. The temple also has a lodging facility for a small premium. There are separate common bathrooms for both men and women. Hot water is provided in the morning on payment of a small amount again. Another block has “Toilet’ facility separate for men and women.

We were not interested to take the room which we usually do otherwise. Women are not allowed to perform any puja in this temple and have to watch it only from a distance. One of my friends who has joined us is going through the lean Shani Dasha and I had advised him to visit this place every year. Unlike other temples, there is no long queue, no pandits to run after you, no hassles.

Guys have to stand under the shower wearing the orange robe and without DRYING THEMSELVES they have to walk down to the temple which is across the road. We girls collected the Abhishek Thali for the guys and gave it to them. Girls are not supposed to touch guys after the bath. They walked ahead and we trailed behind them for a change! It was Saturday and Shani Maharaj’s day a small queue was inevitable. The guys dropped the coconut in a large tray, pierced the black cloth on a Trishul, dropped the ‘Murmura” packet in another large tray and followed the queue. Girls were standing in the premises of the temple and watching the guys performing the Abhisheka.

I went to the donation counter and asked them if we could perform separate “Sankalpit Abhisheka” for the lord. He said yes and so we girls got two coupons for the “Abhisheka”. The rates can be decided by you, no fixed charges, the money that you give goes in aiding many temple activities.

Our friends would take at least 10 mins to reach the holy idol! So quickly went to a Pandit who was sitting there and performing “Sankalpit Abhisheka” for the ladies. Who can ignore Shani Deva son of Surya the Lord of Planets!

Our friends took at least 15 minutes to reach the large black stone (Swayambu) with a gong on its crown directly under the sky. There is no door, no concretization, nothing! Surprising, isn’t it. The guys peformed the Abhisheks with holy water from the well and Sesame Oil, Curds, Blue flowers, Rice, sugar, Haldi – Kumkum, dried coconut and dates, (depending upon your capacity or Navas or Mannat – actions to be performed after fulfillment of all desires) themselves and walked out. You cannot wear any head gear inside the temple premises, Remember the guys are still in their wet cloth. I will take you to the legendary tale of Lord Shani and how this temple came in to form a bit later.

We then moved to the Prasad counter and bought Prasads – Pedhas to be distributed to our friends. The Prasadalya block was closed as it was past 3.00 p.m. Here too, lunch and dinner is served for devotees. After the puja, the guys changed in the car itself! We quickly went to relieve ourselves (women, women) and the final journey hit the gong.

If you are suffering any major misery, you have to donate iron articles, silver coins, nails, rice or just a Kavaddi. Some devotees also offer buffaloes, cows, horses after wish fulfillment.

Before I write to you about the final journey, let me give you a brief note of Shani Shinganapur.

Story of Shani Shinganapur


A poor Brahmin lived in a small town with his family. His youngest daughter-in-law (he had 3 daughter-in-laws) would do all the household work while he was away working in the farm. In the month of Shravan, on a Saturday, the youngest daughter-in-law found grains only to make half a roti. She made the roti and sat helplessly, in the meantime Shanideva appeared before her in the form a Leper. He asked her to apply oil on his aching body and give him hot water to bath. Then he will sit for food. Out of sympathy for the Leper, the lady applied oil and bathed him and gave him half roti. Shanideva was pleased with her gesture and blessed her with abundance of grains, pulses and wealth in her life forever.


When other family members returned home they found various dishes laid for them to eat! The Brahmin asked his other daughter-in-law to stay home and prepare food and left for the farm. Shanideva once again visited their home as a Leper. This daughter-in-law offered him nothing; Shanideva was annoyed by her action and cursed her, “May all your wealth vanish forever”. The pots at home became empty and they faced poverty.


The third Saturday, Brahmin asked his another daughter-in-law to be at home and cook supper. Shanideva once again appeared in the form of Leper and asked the lady to serve him food. She denied and had to face the curse of Shanideva once again.


Now it was the turn of the first daughter-in-law once again to stay back at home the next Saturday. Shanideva again appeared and requested her to give food. The lady once again gave him food but this time it was only ‘left-overs’ as they had come to the poverty line. Shanideva was very happy and blessed the house once again. The family members were happy to regain their lost position. The daughter-in-law narrated the story of the leper to them. In the courtyard of the house they found a leaf lying in the corner. It was the same leaf on which the daughter-in-law had served food to Shanideva. When the Brahmin picked up the leaf, diamonds and pearls fell from it. He was also given the message by Shanideva that he would be in the form a black stone in the village and whoever worships him and make offerings to him will never face any misery in life.


The natural black stone is around 150 years old and is 5’-9’ tall and 1’-6’ broad. Though Shani Shinganapur is a famous temple with plenty of funds in its kitty, it cannot build a temple for the Lord as he has insisted to be under the sum, cold breeze and rain. Shani has appeared in the dreams of the natives and asked them to fear nothing as he dwells with them.


The locals say that around 150 years before, it once rained very heavily in Shingnapur. In a local rain drain, called Panas nala, a large black rock came along tumbling. Some people noticed it and out of curiosity tried to take it out with the help of a pickaxe. As a boy used force to salvage it, blood came out and a scar appeared on the rock. They were scared and they called their adults. The news spread all over and crowds gathered to watch the miracle. Later in the night, a devotee is said to have dreamt of Shani God announcing: "I am Shani. I have come to your village. Get me out and install me." As directed, the people tried to pick the stone up, but in vain. It could not even be moved. Later again at night, Lord Shani appeared in the devotee’s dream and commanded that a genuine pair of maternal uncle and his sister’s son should lift him and place over the branch of a ber (jujube) tree, then he will come and that only they should establish him. Just two men picked up the stone deity the next day, while hundreds had failed the day before. The deity was then carried in a bullock-cart. On the way, the cart stopped and could move no further. Thus, eventfully the deity was installed on the present site.


It is considered auspicious to perform Pooja and Abhisheka at Shani Shinganapur. Amavasya is considered the most auspicious day when it falls on a Saturday.


The houses and guest houses in the village have no doors, nobody follows any lock or safety system. You can only see a long curtain at the entrance and the same holds to the cloak room too! No crime occurs in the village with the blessings of Lord Shani. Anyone who steals or commits any crime is punished by the Lord.