Shirdi & Shani Shingnapur Tour Package

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FAQs

1. What are the key attractions in Shirdi and Shani Shingnapur?

Shirdi:

Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir: The main temple dedicated to Sai Baba, where his mortal remains are preserved.

Dwarkamai Mosque: A significant place where Sai Baba spent a lot of time.

Chavadi: A place where Sai Baba used to sleep on alternate nights.

Shirdi Sai Baba Museum: Exhibits related to Sai Baba’s life and teachings.

Sai Teerth Spiritual Theme Park: A modern attraction focused on Sai Baba’s life.

Shani Shingnapur:

Shani Shingnapur Temple: The main temple dedicated to Lord Shani, with the idol of Shani placed in an open area, symbolizing the faith in his divine protection.

Shani River: A peaceful river nearby which is often visited by devotees for rituals.

2. What is the best time to visit Shirdi and Shani Shingnapur?

The best time to visit both places is during the winter months (November to February) when the weather is cooler and more pleasant.

Avoid visiting in the summer (March to May) as temperatures can rise significantly.

Dussehra, Sai Baba’s Punyatithi (death anniversary), and Guru Purnima are major festivals in Shirdi, and though the temples are more crowded during these times, visiting during festivals can provide a vibrant spiritual experience.

3. How do I get to Shirdi and Shani Shingnapur?

Shirdi:

By Air: Shirdi has its own airport (Shirdi International Airport), which is well connected to cities like Mumbai and Pune.

By Train: Shirdi has its own railway station with good connectivity to major cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik.

By Road: Shirdi is around 250 km from Mumbai and 130 km from Nashik, easily accessible by road through buses, taxis, or private cars.

Shani Shingnapur:

By Road: Shani Shingnapur is about 65 km from Shirdi and can be easily reached by bus or taxi.

There is no direct railway or air connectivity to Shani Shingnapur, so you need to travel by road from Shirdi or nearby towns.

4. What is the distance between Shirdi and Shani Shingnapur?

The distance between Shirdi and Shani Shingnapur is approximately 65 km (around 1.5-2 hours by car or taxi).

5. What is the entry fee for the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple?

The entry to the Shirdi Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir is free, but special darshan tickets are available for faster access. The price for these tickets ranges from ₹100 to ₹500, depending on the type of darshan.

6. Is there an accommodation facility in Shirdi and Shani Shingnapur?

Shirdi:

Shirdi has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hotels to luxury resorts, including the Sai Ashram and Hotel Shraddha Park.

The Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan Trust also runs accommodation facilities for devotees at affordable rates.

Shani Shingnapur:

There are fewer options for accommodation in Shani Shingnapur, but basic guesthouses and small hotels are available.

Since it is a small village, most visitors prefer staying in Shirdi, as it has more hotels and is only an hour’s drive away from Shani Shingnapur.

7. Is it safe to travel to Shirdi and Shani Shingnapur?

Yes, both Shirdi and Shani Shingnapur are considered safe for tourists. However, like in any crowded religious destination, it’s important to stay vigilant about your belongings.

The roads connecting these places are generally in good condition, but it’s recommended to travel in daylight if you’re new to the area.

8. What is the significance of Shani Shingnapur?

Shani Shingnapur is famous for its Shani Temple where the deity of Lord Shani (the planet Saturn) is worshipped. The unique feature of the temple is that the idol of Shani is kept in the open, without any roof or structure covering it, symbolizing Lord Shani’s protective power.

The village is also known for a no-theft policy, where even though there are no locks on the doors of homes, the people of Shani Shingnapur believe that Lord Shani protects their property.

9. What are the rituals to be followed at Shani Shingnapur?

Abhishek (ritual bathing of the idol) is a common offering.

Devotees often perform oil anointing rituals on the idol of Shani to seek blessings for relief from the malefic effects of Saturn.

You can also participate in prayers and offerings at the temple.

10. Are there any special festivals celebrated in Shirdi and Shani Shingnapur?

Shirdi:

Sai Baba's Punyatithi (Death Anniversary): Celebrated on 10th October each year, this is the most important festival in Shirdi.

Guru Purnima: Dedicated to the spiritual guru, this day sees a huge influx of devotees.

Ram Navami and Dussehra: Celebrations in honor of Sai Baba and Hindu festivals.

Shani Shingnapur:

Shani Jayanti: Celebrated on Saturday (the day associated with Lord Shani), with special rituals and pujas performed.

Shani Amavasya: A significant day when large numbers of devotees visit the temple to seek blessings.

11. Can I book the darshan tickets in advance?

Yes, in Shirdi, you can book darshan tickets in advance through the Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan Trust’s official website or at the temple counters.

For Shani Shingnapur, there is no such system, and the temple generally operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

12. What should I pack for the trip?

Comfortable walking shoes (as you will likely be walking a lot).

A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses for protection from the sun.

A camera to capture memories of the spiritual sites.

Water bottle and snacks, especially if you plan on spending long hours at the temples.

Modest clothing (for visiting temples, as a sign of respect).

13. Is there any wildlife or nature to explore?

While Shirdi and Shani Shingnapur are primarily pilgrimage destinations, Shirdi is located near the Saptashrungi Hills, and you can explore some nature trails and small hills. However, nature and wildlife exploration are not the main focus of the area.