Ajanta Caves, Aurangabad

Aurangabad district in Maharashtra State is a famous place with many tourist attractions and religious sites as well as temples. The Ajanta Caves are one of the most popular and most visited places in Aurangabad district with an extravagant monument. Having 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves that have existed since 2^nd century, these caves are exquisite structure that includes sculptures and paintings. They are a great example of the richness of Indian art and painting. These caves are also masterpiece of the Buddhist religious art and have figures of Buddha and depictions of mythological Jataka tales. The architecture of the Ajanta caves is worth witnessing and the caves are cut in the side of a large cliff which is the south side of U-shaped gorge on the river Waghur. They are along the modern pathway that runs across the cliff and were originally reached by the individual ladders from side of river 10–35 m below. The Ajanta caves have been built extravagantly in two phases and the construction started by the 2^nd century BCE. The second group of these caves was built in 400–650 BCE. This is a protected monument and is cared by the Archaeological Survey of India. The site has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

History and Legend of Ajanta Caves

• This region was previously forested heavily and the caves were hidden in the heavy forests that were later discovered by a British officer in 1819. The buildings are Buddhist monastic that represent many monasteries. These caves have been numbered from 1 to 28 and some of these are unfinished but some have been barely begun. Many of these caves were hidden under the rubble and round the gorge, there are numerous waterfalls and these are audible when the river is high that are audible from outside these caves.
• These caves have the best of the early Indian wall-paintings and there are not many such survivals from areas of the modern Indian region and they are believed to be related to approx. 5^th century paintings in the Sigiriya region in Sri Lanka. Ajanta Caves have elaborated architectural carvings that are considered rare.
• A little after being rediscovered, the caves became famous due to their exotic setting and the impressive architecture and also due to the unique paintings. These caves were originally in the territory of princely state of Nizam of Hyderabad and Ghulam Yazdani who was the founder of the archaeology department of Hyderabad State in 1914 had played a major role to conserve and research this site. He had also published series of monographs on the caves. This site was considered adventurous till the Nizam’s government had built a modern path in between these caves among the many other efforts that had been made in order to make the site an easy visit.

Significance of the site and the Ajanta Caves

• The site boasts of the best mural paintings in the country that have survived from earlier and later caves. The paintings also include court-led paintings that are well preserved. Some of the later paintings also concentrate on the Jataka tales that show the previous lives of Buddha as king. These paintings have since deteriorated significantly and a majority of these caves are the vihara halls that were used for prayer and also for living. Such caves are also called as monasteries. There are also some other plainer rooms that were used for sleeping and also for other activities.
• The earlier caves have been built on eastern end of these horse-shoe shaped regions, and now the caves are in less prominent position. Ajanta Caves have been fully inaugurated that are important for the worship by the devotees of Lord Buddha that has an image in central shrine. The cliff of the first cave has steeper slope than other caves and this provides it a tall and a grand facade. Some caves only have left remains as the fine carving have been carelessly thrown down into the slope into the river but some have still been lost and they may have been presumably carried away in the monsoon torrents.
• The carvings on the cave are surfaces embellishments and have scenes from life of Buddha along with decorative motifs. There also is a two pillared portico and the cave also has a front-court along with porch that has simple cells on its both ends. Most areas of these porches had been once covered with the murals and some fragments remain on the ceiling of the cave. On the rear wall to the house, a shrine has been carved with an impressive and elaborate seated image of Buddha and his hands have been made in dharmachakrapravartana mudra.
• The temple has four cells that are located on all the walls and these have paintings that are in fair state in terms of preservation. The paintings depict mainly didactic, ornamental, and devotional scenes that are from Jataka stories that date back to Buddha’s former existence when he was a bodhisattva. The paintings have depicted life of Gautama Buddha and also of his veneration. The caves have two famous individually painted images and also life size figures of bodhisattvas that are Padmapani and Vajrapani that are placed on either side of entrance to Buddha shrine.
• The paintings are on every surface of these caves except the floor but the art work has eroded in some places due to decay and also due to human interference. Many areas thus are painted walls, pillars, ceilings that are fragmentary. The narratives of the paintings are mostly based on the Jataka tales that are depicted on the walls. The paintings inform the community mainly of the teachings of the Buddha and of his life through the successive rebirths.
• Some of the caves have also been saved from volcanic eruptions and thus still contain some major volcanic remains that also increase the attraction and significance of the site. This is today the most popular and most visited tourist destination in the Maharashtra state and is extremely crowded at the time of holiday. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation had in 2012 announced their plans to add this site to ASI visitor centre. They are also trying to get a better idea of these paintings and decipher them.

Ajanta Caves Timings

Ajanta Caves are open on all days except Tuesday and are open till sunset. The entry fees per person is Rs. 10/- and Rs 25./- are charged for clicking pictures and videography inside the caves.

How to reach by Rail Road and Air

Aurangabad is one of the most popular tourist hubs and thus has many visitors especially in the holiday season. The past glory and heritage of this city are the main attractions of Aurangabad. The Ajanta and Ellora caves are a major tourist attraction of the city and these caves are recognized as world heritage by UNESCO. Some other places to visit are the spectacular Mughal monuments, Bibi ka Maqbara and many other sites are extremely enjoyable in the city.

The caves also have a dedicated archaeological museum that is also a well noted tourist spot in the city. This place also has many historical and cultural places. The city has many ways to be reached and can be reached through multiple means of transport. Aurangabad is well connected by all major means like air, rail and road as per the tourist’s convenience. The city’s airport connects to all major cities and traveling to this city through air can be a very comfortable option while one can also travel by rail to the city.

By Air: Aurangabad has regular flights from all other major cities of the country and the major airport is the Chikkalthana Airport.

By Rail: Aurangabad is also well connected to all other major cities of India via regular trains. The major stations are Aurangabad, Rotegaon, Chikalthan, Mukundwadi Halt.

By Bus: One can get regular buses to the Aurangabad city from all other major cities of the country. The major bus station is Aurangabad.

The city is well connected and has efficient connectivity by all means of transport to various cities. There are a number of buses connecting Aurangabad to other cities and the journey is a comfortable one.

Hotels in Aurangabad

There are many 3, 4, and 5-Star hotels in Aurangabad that are extremely comfortable and have great services. The major hotels in the city include Hotel Atithi, Lemon Tree Hotel Aurangabad, VITS Hotel, Green Olive, Vivanta by Taj Hotel Oberoi and J P International. All the above hotels are extremely spacious and comfortable with all facilities. The tourists visit Ajanta caves and museums mostly in the holiday season and that is when the hotels are jam packed.

Nearby Attractions and Temples

The major attractions of the city of Aurangabad apart from the Ajanta and Ellora Caves are as follows:

Bibi Ka Maqbara: The place is situated about 3kms from the main city and is the resting place of Aurangzeb’s wife, Rabia-ud-Durrani. This place is an imitation of Taj Mahal, Agra. The burial site or the Maqbara is situated in middle of spacious Mughal garden that has axial ponds and fountains along with broad pathways and clean pavilions.

Panchakki: The 17^th century water mill is situated at distance of about 1km from city. The water mill is famous for the vast underground water channel that traverses about 8kms. The mesmerizing artificial waterfall and beautiful water fountains increase the beauty of the place and thus is one of the most visited sites of the city.

Gates in Aurangabad: The most interesting place to visit in the city is the 52 ‘gates’; they have a local history and are visited most often. The historical gates increase the legend of the place and thus are one of the most visited sites of the city.

Naukhanda palace: Built by Malik Ambar, the massive portal gateway is a grand palace in the city with nine apartments. The interior buildings have five zananas, a Divan-i-Aam, a Divan-i-Khas, a masjid and a kacheri and each of this is provided with a garden and also with a cistern.

Salim Ali Lake & Bird Sanctuary: The Salim Ali Sarovar which is popularly known as the Salim Ali Talab, is a major place of interest that is located near Delhi Gate right opposite the Himayat Bagh in Aurangabad. The site is located in northern part of the city and was known as the Khiziri Talab during Mughal Period. The place was renamed after the well known ornithologist and naturalist Salim Ali. The site also has a bird sanctuary and also a garden that is well maintained by the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation.

Aurangabad Caves: The caves are situated at a distance of 5kms, and are nestled amidst the hills. These 12 Buddhist caves date back to 3 A.D. and are of particular interest as there are Tantric influences that are evident in the iconography and also in the architectural designs of these caves. The caves also offer a panoramic view of the whole city as well as of the imposing Maqbara.

Aurangabad has always been held as a town of great importance due to the history and legend associated with it. The popular tourist destination in the country has a lot to offer to the visitors. The town holds major significance in terms of history as well as mythology and is an important Buddhist site. The place has a lot to offer to the tourists and they back a lot in term of spiritualism as well as heritage and thus they keep coming back to experience the utmost enjoyment.

Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is one of the most prestigious and revered temple institutions in India. It is dedicated to the life and teachings of Shri Sai Baba, a saint or a fakir, who is respected by all of India’s religious communities. The temple is located in Shirdi, a small town in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra.

Shirdi Sai Baba Temple – Facts

Deity	Shri Sai Baba
Location	Shirdi, Maharashtra
Entry Fee	General Darshan: Free; VIP Darshan: Rs. 200 per person
Best Time to Visit	June to December
Darshan Timings	4:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Poojas	Satyanarayana Pooja
Festivals	Ram Navami, Vijayadashami, Guru Purnima

What are the timings of Shirdi Sai Baba Temple?

Shirdi Sai Baba Temple opens at 4 AM in the morning and closes at 11 PM in the evening. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals such as aarti and poojas.

The timings of the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple are as follows:

Rituals	Timings
Temple Opens	4:00 AM
Bhupali	4:15 AM
Kakad Aarti	4:30 AM
Bhajan	5:00 AM
Mangal Snaan	5:05 AM
Aarti	5:35 AM
Darshan	5:40 AM
Dhuni Pooja	11:30 AM
Midday Aarti	12:00 PM
Pothi	4:00 PM
Dhoop Aarti	At Sunset
Devotional Songs	8:30 PM
Shej Aarti	10:30 PM
Temple Closes	11:00 PM

What are the sevas and poojas at Shirdi Sai Baba Temple?

• Sai Satya Vrata Pooja: The special Pooja is performed free of cost once in three months in the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple Complex on the Purnima day (full moon day). 108 couples can take part in the Pooja at one time. According to an incident in Sri Sai Satcharita, a Tuberculosis patient by the name of Bhimaji Patil was cured by Sri Sai Baba. After being cured, he started a tradition of worshipping Sai Baba as Satyanarayan. The Pooja has been renamed to Sai Satya Vrata Pooja.
• Sai Satcharitra Parayan: The reading of the book Sai Satcharitra takes place once every month in the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple Complex. The reading of the book starts at 8 AM in the morning and usually concludes before either the Dhoop or the Shej Aarti.
• Bhupali: The Bhupali Aarti is performed at 4:15 AM every day. It is the first in a series of Aartis and Bhajans that are sung in praise of Sai Baba. The Aarti is composed of four songs and takes about 10-15 minutes to complete.
• Kakad Aarti: The Morning Aarti is called the Kakad Aarti and is performed between 4:30 AM to 5:00 AM. In Kakad Aarti, a piece of cloth is dipped in ghee and then lit on fire to perform the Aarti. The Aarti is performed to wake up Sai Baba and get his blessings.
• Mangal Snaan: Shri Sai Baba is bathed in holy water at 5:05 AM in the Samadhi mandir.
• Satyanarayana Pooja: The Pooja is performed between 7 AM to 12 PM. The Pooja is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Devotees can perform the Pooja by paying a nominal amount at the Pooja counter.
• Madhyan Aarti: The afternoon Aarti takes place from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM. Several songs are sung in praise of Sai Baba and his disciples.
• Dhoop Aarti: The evening Aarti is performed at Sunset for 20 minutes every day. The Aarti is divided into eight different song sequences, each praising Sai Baba and his virtues.
• Shej Aarti: The night Aarti is performed for 20 minutes at 10:30 PM to 10:50 PM. After the Aarti, a shawl is wrapped around the idol of Sai Baba and a Rudraksha mala is hung around his neck. The mosquito net is lowered and a glass of water is kept near the idol.
• On Thursdays, a ‘Palki’ procession takes place at around 9.15 PM, from Samadhi Mandir to Dwarkamai and then to Chawri.

Special abhishekams are conducted every day in two batches. A third batch may be arranged depending on the crowd. The abhishek batch timings are as mentioned below:

Abhishek Batches	From	To
Batch One	7:00 AM	8:00 PM
Batch Two	9:00 PM	10:00 PM
Batch Three	11:00 AM	12:00 PM

The Satyanarayana Pooja is performed in three batches daily. Two more batches can be arranged depending on the crowd. The timings for the pooja are as mentioned below:

Pooja Batches	From	To
Batch One	7:00 AM	8:00 PM
Batch Two	9:00 PM	10:00 PM
Batch Three	11:00 AM	12:00 PM

Devotees who want to feed the poor can arrange for the process by making a cash payment at the Prasadalaya or at the Account office.

What is the significance of Shirdi Sai Baba Temple?

The significance of the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is that both Hindus and Muslims can worship the samadhi. Shri Sai Baba opposed the division of religion. He opposed discrimination based on religion. His teachings imbibe the good practices of major religions like Hinduism and Islam. He admired Bhagawad Gita and asked his disciplines to follow the teachings of the book. His philosophy of “Sabka Malik Ek” meaning “God is one” and preached the same.

The eleven assurances of Sai Baba states that he is omnipresent. He will help all the needy and guide them to a happy and healthy life. Anyone who steps into Shirdi will be relieved of all their sufferings.

His devotees believe that he performed miracles to help people. It is believed that he lit the lamps of the Masjid without oil. At the request of villagers, he raised the level of water in the well during the dry season to drink. He saved a 3-year-old girl from drowning after she fell into the well. The villagers saw her suspended in mid-air and pulled her out.

In the mosque, Sai Baba maintained a sacred fire which is referred to as a dhuni, from which he gave sacred ashes (‘Udhi’) to his guests before they left. The ash was believed to have healing powers. He performed the function of a local hakim and treated the sick by the application of ashes. One can visit the mosque and experience the spirituality themselves.

What is the history of Shirdi Sai Baba Temple?

According to history, the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple was established in the year 1922 to continue the teachings and services of Sri Sai Baba. The real name and the birthplace of Sai Baba are unknown.

He arrived at Shirdi at the age of sixteen. The name “Sai” was given to him upon his arrival at Shirdi, by a local priest named Mahalsapati. He recognized Sai Baba as a Muslim saint and greeted him with the words ‘Ya Sai!’, meaning ‘Welcome Sai!’. Sai or Sayi is a Persian title given to Sufi saints. The word “Baba” means “father; grandfather; old man; sir” in most Indian and Middle Eastern languages. Thus, Sai Baba denotes “holy father”, “saintly father” or “poor old man”.

The followers of Sai Baba believe that Sai is an acronym of the Sanskrit term “Sakshat Eshwar“, a reference to God. Sakshat means “incarnate” and Eshwar means “God”.

He initially stayed under a neem tree at the Khandoba Temple. He remained silent and meditated for long periods of time. He received several visitors like Mahalsapati and Appa Jogie. He stayed for three years in Shirdi and then disappeared. It is believed that he was with the army of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi during the Mutiny of 1857.

It is believed that Sai Baba returned to Shirdi in 1858. His manner was withdrawn and he often meditated for long hours. He was later convinced to take up residence in an old mosque, where he lived a solitary life. He received visitors in the mosque, later named as the Dwarkamai and gave them sacred ash having healing properties when they left. He performed the services of Hakim for the village.

Sai Baba believed that charity is the ultimate way to win God’s grace. He led a simple life and encouraged the concept of sharing with people. He emphasized that people should be treated with respect and should be welcomed in their homes. He asked devotees to give food, water, clothes, money, and a place to stay generously to the poor.

The life history and philosophy of Sri Sai Baba are recorded in the Sai Satcharitra. The manuscript is the work of Shri Hemadpant, an ardent devotee of Baba. It is said that Sai Baba himself blessed the book and wanted his teachings to be spread around by the medium of books.

The Shri Saibaba Sansthan in Shirdi is the governing and administrative body of Shri Saibaba’s Samadhi Temple and all the temples that are in this premise. The Saibaba Sansthan Trust also works towards the general development of the Shirdi village.

What are the festivals celebrated at Shirdi Sai Baba Temple?

The festivals celebrated at the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple are:

• Ram Navami: The festival is celebrated at the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in March or April. The festival is celebrated with a lot of zest and excitement. According to a story, Gopalrao Gund in 1897 proposed to hold Urus (a Muslim festival to honour a saint) dedicated to Sai Baba to thank him for granting him the wish of a child after many years. Sai Baba agreed but asked him to celebrate it on Ram Navami. As a result, on this day, both Hindus and Muslims celebrate the function enthusiastically resulting in communal harmony. The flags of Dwarkamai are replaced on this day along with the sack of wheat kept there.
• Guru Purnima: On the Full moon day of the month of July, the Guru Purnima is celebrated in Shirdi with much reverence and dedication. The day is dedicated to Guru and special poojas are performed to honour him and seek his blessings. Vyasa Pooja is held in honour of Ved Vyasa, the writer of the epic Mahabharata.
• Vijayadashami: The day of Vijayadashami is also said to be the day that Shri Sai Baba left the mortal life for his heavenly abode. This day is also called Shri Sai Punyathithi. During this festival ‘Brahman Bhojan’ is arranged with Guru Dakshina (Donation to Guru). Pilgrims from all over India flock to Shirdi to pay their respects to Shri Sai Baba.

How to reach Shirdi Sai Baba Temple?

• By Air: Aurangabad is the nearest airport to Shirdi. It is located at a distance of 144 km. Bus services are available from Aurangabad to Shirdi.
• By Rail: Shirdi is well connected to all major cities in India. The station name at Shirdi is “Sainagar Shirdi” which has started operations since March 2009. Regular trains are available to the city from Chennai, Mumbai, Vishakapatnam, Secunderabad, and Mysore. The other main railway stations located nearby are Kopergaon (15 km), Nashik (119 km), Manmad (87 km), and Ahmednagar (83 km). Regular buses are available from these cities to Shirdi.
• By Road: State transport buses are available from major cities in Maharashtra as well as from the surrounding states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamilnadu.

Where to stay in Shirdi?

Accommodation at nominal rates is available. The Shirdi Sansthan Trust Reception Centre near the State Transport Bus Stand, where they provide proper guidance to the arriving devotees and also allocate rooms. Locker facilities are also available for luggage storage.

There are three major accommodation options available run by the Shirdi trust: Sai Ashram, Dwarawati, and the New Bhakta Niwas. Air-conditioned rooms, large normal rooms, as well as, dormitories are available. Online accommodation can be booked by visiting the temple’s official website.

Several privately operated hotels and lodges are also available as an option for staying purposes.

Where to eat in Shirdi?

A tea canteen and a “Prasadalaya” are run by the Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan Trust. Devotees can have tea and meals at the premises at subsidized rates between 10 AM to 10 PM.

A large number of small restaurants serving vegetarian food can be visited near the Temple premises. Alcohol and smoking are banned.

What is the dress code at Shirdi Sai Baba Temple?

There is no strict dress code applicable inside the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple Complex. However, it is advised to wear decent clothes inside the Temple and Masjid premises.

Which are some temples in Shirdi?

Some temples near the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple Complex are:

• Khandoba Temple: This temple is the spot where Sai Baba was given the name “Sai” upon entering the village of Shirdi. At the entrance to the temple is a large banyan tree which is mentioned in the ‘Shri Sai Satcharitra’ as the place where the bullock cart halted. It is now commemorated with a small shrine and ‘padukas’ at its base.
• Gurusthan: The place is located under a neem tree where Sai Baba spent most of his time in his early stay in Shirdi. According to Sai Baba, his own “Guru” is buried beneath the tree and should not be disturbed. Beside the tree, one can see a pair of marble padukas on a pedestal, a Shivalinga, and a statue of Baba at the place.
• Samadhi Mandir: The temple was initially constructed in the dedication of Lord Krishna. It is believed that Sai Baba advised Gopalrao Booty to construct a temple so that he can satisfy the needs of the people. With Sai Baba’s approval, they started the construction work on the temple in 1915. When Baba fell ill, he asked devotees to move him into the temple. He breathed his last on October 15, 1918. He was buried in the temple and an idol of his has been installed over it.
• Dwarkamai: The small mosque where Sai Baba stayed has become the centre of attraction in Shirdi as it provides a glimpse of the spiritual life that he leads. One can visit the “Dhuni” or the “Perpetual Fire”, see the Kolamba. Sai teerth, the sack of wheat, cooking pot, the Nimbhar and several other artifacts that have a personal significance and legends associated with them
• Chavadi: Chavadi is the place where Sai Baba would sleep on alternate days during the last decade of his life It played a major role at the beginning of the formal worship of Baba. Once Baba started sleeping at Chavadi, the custom arose of offering regular aarti to him on his arrival from the mosque. This was Shej (night) aarti. Later, Kakad (morning) aarti was offered when he woke up there.
• The Lendi Gardens: This is the garden complex which was often visited by Sai Baba to meditate and contemplate on the worldly matters. One can visit the Nanda Deep – the perpetually burning Deep kept between two trees here.
• Shani Shinganapur Temple: The village of Shinganapur in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra is home to the Shani Shinganapur Temple dedicated to Lord Shani (Personification of Saturn). An idol of Lord Shani made of black stone is placed in the temple to which devotees from all over the world pay their respects. The unique thing about the village is that none of the houses in the area have any doors. The strong belief is that Lord Shani will guard all homes against any mischief. The Temple stays open from 5 AM to 10 PM. The poojas and abhishekams can be performed by the devotees themselves.
• Maruti Mandir: This temple is located 1 km away from the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple. A life-size black idol of Shri Hanuman is the presiding deity here. It is located inside the Shirdi temple complex. It is believed that Sai Baba performed satsangs
• Jain Temples: There are two main Jain Temples present near the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple. The first Temple is dedicated to Shri Adeshwar Bhagawan and was built by Sri Jain Shwethambar Theertha trust. The unique feature of the temple is that iron has not been used for constructing the temple.  The second temple is called Sheesh Mahal. It was built by the Shri Shanti Niwas Digambar Temple Committee. The temple is dedicated to Sri Shanti Niwas Maharaj l6th Teerthanka.
• Mahalaxmi Temple: The temple is located on the Pimpalwadi road. The temple has a life-size idol of Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth along with Navagraha idols and a Shivling.

Frequently Asked Questions about Shirdi Sai Baba Temple