Shirdi, Pilgrimage site in Maharashtra, India
Shirdi is a small town in the state of Maharashtra that has grown into an important religious center. The closely built streets lead to several temple complexes and lodgings for the pilgrims who travel here throughout the year.
The settlement remained a simple village for centuries until a wandering ascetic settled here permanently in the 19th century. After his death in 1918, his followers began building memorial sites that gradually expanded throughout the 20th century.
The town takes its name from the spiritual teacher who lived here in the late 19th century and welcomed followers from different religious traditions. Pilgrims from across India and beyond now come to participate in daily prayers and spend time at the various shrine areas.
The town can be reached by train or bus, with most visitors setting aside several hours to visit the different religious sites. The devotional areas are less crowded in the early morning and late evening compared to midday.
An old fig tree stands beside one of the shrines and is visited by many as a place of reflection. The tree is considered a direct descendant of the plant under which the spiritual teacher often sat.
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