Shirdi is about 260 kms and 5 hours' drive from Mumbai(Bombay). It is
accessible by rail upto Nashik and Manmad and even by air from
Pune/Aurangabad/ Nasik & very soon from the Shirdi airport - and
thence by road transport.
Until 1918, Shirdi was a sleepy
little village, tucked away in the interiors of Maharashtra. In that
year, an old sage died leaving behind grieving villagers. Even today,
the last few surviving elders of the village vividly recall the
miraculous wonders of the sage. This revered sage was their mentor and
prophet. His name was Sai Baba of Shirdi.
Sai Baba's fame has spread far and
wide. His devotees are scattered all over the world. They regularly
visit Shirdi to pay their homage to this great Saint of Shirdi. Sai
Baba's shrine has been incorporated as one of the holy places in the
world's map of pilgrimage. Sai Baba preached no particular religion. In
fact, he believed in and respected all religions. Sai Baba had just 11
teachings to give his followers viz: