Shirdi Sai Museum, Shirdi

Baba's padukas

kafni used by Baba

Grinding stone used by Baba

idols of Rama with Lakshman and Sita

idols of deities seen in the Musuem

Two vessels and the grinding stone

Photos seen in the museum

Sai Baba with his beloved devotees

Coins given to Mahalsapati by Baba

                           

Chimtas used by Baba

Sai Baba near the entrance of Dwarakamai

Cot on which the last bathing of Baba took Place

   

Chair in the museum that was never used by Baba

Next to Tirupati the most visited pilgrimage spot in India is Shirdi in Ahmednagar District in Maharashtra state. Most of the people might have seen Shirdi Sai Samadhi Mandir, Dwarakamai, Chavadi, Gurusthan and Lendi garden apart from Khandoba Mandir near Shirdi Bus stand. But your trip is incomplete without visiting Shirdi Sai Museum located just opposite Gurusthan within the temple complex. Here you will get a rare opportunity of seeing the articles and personal belongings of Saibaba. Many black and white photos of previous times makes your heart fill with a sense of devotion. The Shirdi Sai Sansthan deserves much appreciation in making these artefacts accessible to public without any entry fee.

The articles are arranged on the first floor with clear labels giving information about each item. One can see the actual padukas used by the great saint. Two utensils used by Baba for cooking are seen. A small vessel was used for preparing meals for fifty people and the big vessel for one hundred people. The grinding mill used by Baba shows the spiritual significance. The upper stone is Bhakti and the lower stone represents Dharma. When both of them are used with faith we get spiritual grace of Baba. A mud pot used by the saint is seen in a corner filled with water. Different kinds of clothes used by Baba are displayed here. The original chimta (Tongs like musical instrument) used by Baba is another rare find. The cot on which the last bathing took place after Baba’s demise is also preserved here.

Many clay pipes and earthen vessels used by Baba are also seen here. The coins given by Baba to Mahalsapati, Khandoba’s temple priest, are seen. The idols of Muralidhar along with the idols of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are seen here which were actually meant to be installed in Booty Wada. But as per Baba’s wish this wada became Baba’s Samadhi Mandir. The palanquin used during processions is also seen here. Many photos in black and white are seen in which one can see Baba’s devotees and followers. The model of Baba’s beloved horse,Shyam Sunder, is seen along with the harness. The opening hours of Sai Museum are from 5.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

 Apart from this museum, if you have time, you can visit Sai heritage village located three kms from the temple. It is a devotional theme park where the important events in Sai baba’s life are seen in form of beautiful statues. Pure vegetarian food is also available. Children will enjoy the monorail ride, ropeway and other amusement sports. The folk culture of Maharashtra is also felt here when you see the surroundings and the listen to folk music. The opening hours are from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.

There is Sai Wax Museum (4kms from the temple) also on Nagar Manmad Road, a part of the 250-acre Mega Project. Here the statues of Maharashtrian saints and a few events from Sai Baba’s life are seen in form of statues. It is going to have many tourist attractions like a theme park, an amusement park, a meditation center, cottages, resorts and gardens. The opening hours are from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

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     19th  February, 2019                                         Somaseshu Gutala