Prati Shirdi, Pune Overview

Situated in Shirgaon near Pune in Maharashtra, Prati Shirdi is a replica of the Sri Sai Baba Temple in Shirdi that was built by Mr. Prakash Deole in the year 2003. Visited by a lot of devotees, pilgrims and tourists, all through the year, all the temple aartis and poojas are scheduled and held at the same time as the ones in Shirdi. Enshrined by a beautiful idol of Sri Sai Baba, even the idol is also the same as the one in Shirdi.

Prati Shirdi houses the Dwarkamai mosque, the Gurusthan shrine and the Chavadi shrine. In addition to that, there is a gorgeous garden in the premises of the temple. There is also a magnificent dining hall that is called Anna Chattralay where the pilgrims and visitors are served Anna Prasad and dinner at a nominal price of INR 10. Food is served between 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM and 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM and kids below the age of 5 years are served food free of cost.

Structures within the Prati Shirdi

1. Gurusthan

Gurusthan can be literally translated to the “place where the Guru sits”. There is a Gurusthan at Shirdi where Sai Baba used to sit. The Gurusthan at Prati Shirdi is the imitation of the same. The place is shaded with a magnificent neem tree. It has a pair of marble padukas and there is a photograph of Shri Swami Samarth. In addition to that, there is also a Shivalinga installed at the place. The Gurusthan is not just a place to relax but it is also used by the pilgrims to do pradakshina.

2. Samadhi Sthan

Samadhi Sthan in Prati Shirdi is the place where the majestic statue of Sai Baba rests in his iconic position with his legs crossed. The walls and the surroundings have been painted with a golden polish and the beautiful silver statue stands out. Reverberating with immense peace and quiet, the inner sanctum is one of the most beautiful sections of the temple.

3. Dwarkamai Mosque

Dwarkamai Mosque, also called the Masjidmayi is indeed a mosque which is the perfect example of tolerance, brotherhood and acceptance. It was built for the muslim pilgrims who came here to pay restects to Sri Sai Baba. There is also a yagna which is a burning pyre that is lit every day at the mosque even today.

4. Chavdi

Chavdi loosely translates to “village office”. It is believed that Sai Baba spent a lot of time here. There is a large portrait of Baba that adorns the office. It is known that Sai Baba took his last breath on the bed here. Every Thursday the bed is taken out to be cleaned and is replaced with a palanquin. Women are not allowed in this section.

5. Annachatra

Annachatra, that is also called the Rajwada (Palace), the Annachatra is the dining hall where the Maha Prasad is served. It is also an architectural wonder and it can be easily mistaken for a heritage monument. The 3 storey building is made without using a single brick. The entrance is flanked by two magnificent elephants and the Maha Dwar leads to the main dining hall. There is a kitchen on the right side and the top floor has suites.

Daily Rituals and Schedules at Prati Shirdi

Open for Darshan all day between 5:00 AM to 10:30 PM
The Temple is closed on Eclipse Day

Kakad Aarti - 5:30 AM
Maha Abhishek - 7:00 AM
Noon Aarti - 12:00 Noon
Dhoop Aarti - 6:15 PM
Shej Aarti - 10:00 PM

How to Reach

Prati Shirdi is en route to the Shirgaon Sai Baba Temple, right across the Expressway. It is situated exactly 3 km from Dehu Road before the Somatane toll plaza on Mumbai Pune old NH4 highway. If you are going through the Expressway, then take the exit to Somatane which is after Talegaon toll plaza. Going further, take a right turn before the NH4 highway.