Lets explore Shirdi - Other Temples in Shirdi

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BANYAN TREE

This is the blessed Banyan tree that gave shade to the marriage party of

Chand Patil and family. The party alighted at the foot of this Banyan tree

in Bhagat Mahalsapathi's field near Khandoba Mandir. Members of the party

descended one by one and the Fakir also got down. Bhagat Mahalsapathy saw

the young Fakir and said "Ya Sai" others also addressed Him as Sai and

henceforth He became known as Sai Baba (Ref. ESS. Ch. V). This tree is on

your right side after entering the compound. A small parapet is made around

it and a small Baba's shrine with Padukas are placed there to commemorate

the wonderful return of Sai Baba to Shirdi.

VITTAL MANDIR

This Mandir is situated on the left side of the street eading to post

office. The Pujari Laxman Rao was very orthodox in his views. At first he

was against Baba, as His routines were not acceptable to him. Once he fell

sick losing all hope of life and Baba saved him from that illness. From that

time he became a staunch devotee of Baba. His son Bapaji Laxman Ratna Parkhi

also fell ill and his father approached Baba and entreated Him to cure his

son. Baba scolded him and drove him away. Later Baba went to his house and

put His hand over Bapaji's head and he recovered. Laxman Rao was so

overwhelmed with this and thought that Baba was none other than God Himself.

Bapaji also became an ardent devotee of Baba and he was one of the few

devotees who were present when Baba took Mahasamadhi.

 

(Adopted from Ambrosia In Shirdi by Dr.Vinny Chitluri, this book can be read

at http://saileelas.org/books/ambrosiainshirdi1.htm and this book is a

virtual guide on Shirdi with

lots of rare photos on Baba)