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Ganesh
temple is the smallest one of all. It is an old temple with a small
idol of Lord Ganesha.
Marut temple
is situated
in mid distance of Dwarkamai and Chawri. It is said that this is the only
temple besides Khandoba in Shirdi village having direct association with
the life of Sai Baba at Shirdi. Baba used to often make mystic sign
towards Marut temple while passing by with palanquin procession. This is a
south-facing temple, which is uncommon in Hindu religion.
Mahadev
temple is also quite old. In front of this there is a ‘Nandi’, and
behind ‘Nandi’ a tomb of tiger is erected who breathed his last at the
sacred feet of Shri Sai Baba in Dwarkamai
masjid.
Shani
temple is dedicated to Lord Saturn, a powerful planet. There is a
small ‘dhuni’ (sacred fire) in Saturn temple also. Here
Baba’s large portrait is placed behind the idol of Saturn.
Other important places
There
is a ‘Parayan Hall’ (Reading hall) at the back of Dwarkamai
courtyard. Devotees read spiritual literature in the quiet and serene
environment of this place.
Another
important place is ‘Prasadalay’ or the canteen run by the
trust, where highly subsidised food is distributed as ‘Prasad’
(blessed food). It reminds the devotees of Baba’s cooking for his
children with a motherly tenderness in Dwarkamai masjid. On special days
like Guru Poornima, Ram Navami etc. lakhs of devotees, partake of the food
here without any restriction of class, caste or religion. This mass
feeding is done through coupon system from the counter of the canteen.
The lanes of Shirdi around
Samadhi temple have a number of shops selling momento, offerings and
flowers. Infact, every grain of the soil of Shirdi is blessed by the
touch of the Supreme Master, Shri Sai Baba.
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