Dwarkamai Temple, Shirdi

Dwarkamai Temple Shirdi (Timings, History, Entry Fee, Images)

One of Shirdi’s treasures for its followers is Dwarkamai. They believe that the great Sai Baba spent a large portion of his life, including his final moments, in Dwarkamai, which is considered the centre of Shirdi. Since Baba, as they prefer to call him, God on Earth, lived there, it is a treasure to all of his followers. The great Sai Baba is revered and his teachings are really believed by people of all religions. Here, there is a strong sense of acceptance, tolerance, and welcome.

Originally, this location was a run-down mosque with crumbling ruins and knee-deep pits. It was Baba who transformed it into Dwarkamai and reaffirmed the unity of God. Probably the only mosque with a temple within is Dwarkamai! As soon as one enters this mosque, Sai Baba’s holy energy takes over and bestows his blessings upon them. One may feel their spirit being purified of all anxieties, uncertainties, and negativity in the remarkable and potent atmosphere of positivity, which is so serene and tranquil. You feel at home as soon as you walk into Baba’s house. You’re calm.

The fact that individuals of many faiths and traditions come here to honour Sai Baba in whatever manner they feel most comfortable is what makes this place so fascinating and noteworthy. Some people read their “japas,” or religious scriptures; others kneel and place their head on the ground; still others pray to the “dhuni,” or the sacred fire that never goes out. This demonstrates how individuals have adopted Baba’s teachings and put the idea that God is one into practice.

History of Dwarkamai 

This mosque was a little, run-down, mud building when Sai Baba moved in. There were deep pits and holes in the ground, and neither the dhuni nor the mosque had iron bars like they have now. It was dangerous to dwell there because a portion of the roof had collapsed.

A devotee once requested that some building materials be transported to the mosque in the middle of the 1890s so that they could be utilised for repairs. However, Baba had them diverted to a few nearby temples that required renovation. After years of his many followers’ persistent efforts and demands, Baba eventually gave in in 1912 and let them to proceed with the necessary improvements to make the building sustainable. Only on nights when Baba would be staying overnight at Chavadi did the construction crew work.

In the middle of the 1890s, a devotee had some building supplies transported to the mosque with the idea that they would be utilised for repairs. However, Baba had them diverted to a few nearby temples that needed renovation. Baba finally gave in and allowed his numerous followers to proceed with the necessary improvements to make the building sustainable in 1912, following years of persistent efforts and demands. The only evenings the construction crew worked were the nights Baba slept overnight at Chavadi.

Festivities at Dwarkamai in Shirdi 

The primary Shirdi holidays are Vijayadashami (September), Guru Purnima (July), Eid (July), and Ramnavami (March/April). People commemorate these festivities with a lot of fervour and sincerity. Puja, music, public readings, and joyful processions with the palanquin and cart are all part of the schedule. On one of these days, the Samadhi Mandir is open all night, and there are bhajan and qawwali sessions held at several places across the hamlet.

Concept of Udi 

Holy ash from the Akhand dhuni was once given by Sai Baba. Udi is the term for the ashes of this Dhuni that are given to believers. Baba’s Udi is known to have healing properties, and people used to use it to get better when they were sick or in pain. When his devotees used to meet Baba, he would occasionally apply udi to them and would frequently give them handfuls of it that he picked up from the dhuni.

Baba would occasionally sing about Udu in a joyful and melodic manner when he was feeling good. Even now, udi is gathered from the flames and distributed. This is regarded as sacred since it is a continuation of Baba’s own practice and the udi originates from the fire that Baba himself set and cared for. A little tray of udi is now available for guests near the stairs.

Inside Dwarkamai

Many of the renowned Sai Baba’s belongings are housed in this two-story building. Baba’s picture and the enormous stone he once sat on are located on the first floor. There are two rooms on this level: one has a palkhi (palanquin) and the other a chariot. Above these rooms is a little temple with a saffron flag.

A square stool composed entirely of stone can be found on the second floor; Baba used to sit on this stool while having a bath. The ‘Kolamba’ is a wooden vessel with a large grinding stone situated here as well. Baba used to store the bhiksha that he brought from the village in this same vessel.

An oil painting of Shri Sai Baba sitting in the carved wooden shrine is another Baba keepsake that draws hundreds of devotees to Dwarkamai each year. In a stunning and artistic way, the painting portrays a variety of feelings and aspects of Shri Sai Baba, including charity, self-belief, kindness, patience, and unwavering faith in the Almighty.

How To Reach Dwarkamai 

Every year, a large number of devotees flock to Dwarkamai, a well-known tourism destination. It is therefore easy to reach due to its popularity. Sai Samadhi Mandir is right next to it.

The closest train stations to Shirdi are Kopergaon and Manmad, which are 18 and 58 kilometres away, respectively. Shirdi can be reached by road in 30 minutes from Kopergaon Railway Station and in 1 hour and 15 minutes from Manmad Railway Station.

Shirdi Bus Depot is around 5.5 miles from Dwarkamai, and numerous buses run there regularly throughout the day. Unexpectedly, it takes 11 minutes to travel by road from the depot to Dwarkamai, but just 6 minutes to walk there, so why not go green?

Additionally, it is extremely easy to hail a cab or autorickshaw, which will transport you to Dwarkamai quickly and affordably.

Timings : 5:30 AM – 9:45 PM

Time Required : 1-2 hrs

Entry Fee : No entry fee