Prati Shirdi, Shirgaon - A replica of original Shiridi Sai Baba Temple in Pune

Our plan for Prati Shirdi was an impromptu one. When we were searching for some place to explore on weekend and also did not want to go too far, we heard about this place from one of our colleagues who recently visited this place. They said that we would get Auto ("Tam-Tam" as we call in Pune) / private vehicle from Hinjawadi to Shirgaon. So we decided to go to this place as it is near to Hinjawadi. (The place we stay).

Next day morning we started at around 7:00 AM, and took a private vehicle to Shirgoan. There are two routes to Shirgaon from Hinjawadi. The first one is to take Pune - Mumbai Old highway, take the left after toll plaza. The other is from Marunji village i.e while going from Hinjawadi chowk to Phase II, we take a left at Mezza -9 restaurant. (This road is not in proper condition and as it is outskirts, we could barely see roads after sunset).

Once we reached the temple, we see many stalls on the either sides with people selling things we offer to god. 'Prati Shirdi' - As the name clearly depicts, this is a replica of Shirdi Sai Mandir. The architecture is so similar and gives a feeling of being at Shirdi. All the aartis and other prayers are offered in the same manner as done in Shirdi. We went on Saturday. Though it was crowdy, it did not take us much time for Dasrshan. We had a peaceful Darshan.

As in Shirdi, we had chawadi, Dwarakamai, Gurusthan with neem tree, garden sit out and Anna Chattralay (Bhojanalay). For Anna Chattralay, we need to purchase a ticket and for children under 5 years, food is offered for free.

After completing our darshan, we purchased a ticket for Anna Chattralay to have Prashad and headed towards it. Once we saw the Anna Chatralay, we were awestruck by the amazing architecture. It looks like a palace. We entered into the building and joined the queue where Prashad is served. Once we took the Prashad in plates, we can choose any table to sit. Everything inside seemed royal.

Later we came out and saw there were many stalls as in exhibition. We also had a mini giant wheel where we had lots of fun. I feel this place is a blessing for people who cant make it to Shirdi. I was grown up listening to my mom always telling that we should be destined to have a Shirdi Sai Darshan. I hope every one of us should be destined enough to visit these two temples.

Behind the Blog

Hi, I am AA. An IT employee whose happy place in the world is her own home, a Cancerian (which tells many things), emotional, foodie and Harry Potter fan. Overthinking is both my friend and enemy.
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Hi, My name is Ravi Teja. I am a Salesforce technical consultant. Besides coding, I love hi-tech gadgets, playing video games, weekend trips, watching handpicked movies and experimenting with food.
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