Introduction

A site of immense religious significance, Gurusthan is the spot where Sai Baba took to meditation after first arriving at Shirdi as a 16-year-old child ascetic. He is believed to have sat in deep contemplation under a shady Margosa (Neem) tree in this site, and it is this Neem tree which is referred to in ‘Sai Sat-Charitra’. The place is called Gurusthan (meaning the place of the Guru) because it is also the shrine where Sai Baba’s spiritual leader took samadhi (gave up his body). The Neem tree, under which Baba sat after first coming to Shirdi, is said to have absorbed miracle powers.

Subsequently recognized as Gurusthan, the place today holds a small shrine with a portrait of Sai Baba on an elevated platform, with a Shivling and Nandi just in front of the portrait. Adjacent to it, the saint’s marble statue is placed. Devotees flock this place, especially on Thursdays and Fridays, after a visit to the Samadhi Mandir, and burn incense in belief that their maladies will be cured. The Gurusthan temple no longer remains, for it had to be brought down to give way to the old Margosa to sprout freely.

A tour of Shirdi is incomplete without a visit to this holy site, where the child ascetic grew into a benevolent soul whom people affectionately call Sai Baba.

Special Attributes

Gurusthan is the spot where Sai Baba took to meditation after first arriving at Shirdi, as a 16-year-old child ascetic.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable

Connectivity

All attractions are within walking distances from anywhere in Shirdi. Cycle rickshaws are available easily, and are the best way to explore locally.

Shirdi is on the Ahmednagar-Manmad Highway, about 250 kilometers (156 miles) from Mumbai and 75 kilometers (47 miles) from Nashik. You can choose to fly into Nashik and then take a bus, taxi or train to Shirdi. Shirdi is accessible on the Central Railway line; get off at Manmad (65 kilometers/41 miles from Shirdi) or at Kopergaon (18 kilometers/11.25 miles). Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) runs buses from all major destinations

Enjoyed by

Families, Senior Citizens

Exposure

You will be partly under the open sky of Shirdi, and partly under the shade of the Neem Tree. Shirdi has a dry climate that swings to extremes, from a high of 40° C in May, to a low of 7° C in January. But the monsoon months - June to August - are pleasant, with scanty rains.

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

Thursdays and Fridays are considered the best days to visit this holy site.

Type of site

A small shrine with a Neem tree