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How To Reach Chavadi

Shirdi, Maharashtra, India:
Historical Significance: The Chavadi holds a unique and central place in the history of Shirdi as the place where Sai Baba began to sleep every alternate night for the last decade of his life, starting around 1909. Before this, he spent all his time in the Dwarkamai Masjid. The reason for this shift is often attributed to a heavy rainstorm that flooded the Dwarkamai, making it unsuitable for sleeping. His devotees, led by Shri Mhalsapati, insisted he move to the drier Chavadi. The event became a formal procession, a ritual that continues even today every Thursday evening. The name Chavadi literally means a "village office" or "community hall" in Marathi, and it was originally used for collecting village taxes and records. The Procession Tradition: The act of moving from Dwarkamai to the Chavadi became a ritual of grand ceremony, with music, flags, and a bedecked horse, treating Sai Baba like a king. This procession, which was initially simple, grew in grandeur due to the devotion of followers like Radhakrishnayi. This is where the tradition of the Shej Arati (night arati) at the Chavadi began, as the arati was performed upon his arrival. This formal worship laid the foundation for the regular worship of Sai Baba in his later life. Interior Layout: The Chavadi is divided into two main sections: the male section and the female section. The male section, where Sai Baba slept, houses his large portrait, a wooden bed, and a white chair. Women are traditionally not allowed in this specific area, a custom maintained since Baba's time. The other side is the female section. The building also holds a special portrait of Baba in a grand attire (Raj Upachar photo), which is the one taken out in the Thursday procession. The building underwent renovation in 1912 with tiled flooring and mirror work, funded by the devotee Anna Chinchanikar, making it more suitable for Baba's use while preserving its essence. (Word count: 405):

How to Reach

By Air: The nearest major airport is Shirdi International Airport (SAG) in Kakadi (15 KMs), with taxi services readily available. For long-distance travellers, Mumbai Airport (BOM) (250 KMs) and Pune Airport (PNQ) (180 KMs) offer more connectivity. Pre-paid taxis or private cabs can be hired from these cities to reach Shirdi.

By Train: The closest railway station is Sainagar Shirdi (SNSI), about 2 KMs away. From SNSI, easily take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to the main temple area. Chavadi is a very short walk from the main gate, situated close to the Dwarkamai. Kopergaon Railway Station (KPG) (16 KMs) is another option for travellers on regional routes.

By Road: Shirdi is well-serviced by national highways connecting it to major cities: Mumbai (250 KMs), Pune (180 KMs), and Nashik (90 KMs). The MSRTC (state-run buses) and private bus operators provide highly frequent AC/Non-AC services. The Shirdi Bus Stand is less than 1 KM away. From the bus stand, it is a pleasant 10-minute walk through the lanes, or you can take a cycle-rickshaw.

By Local Transport: The Chavadi is located at the heart of the main pedestrian temple complex. Walking is the most convenient way from any nearby hotel or the main Samadhi Mandir (0. 1 KM). Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws will drop you at the nearest accessible point, but the final distance must be covered on foot. It is adjacent to the Dwarkamai, making it central to the pilgrimage route.

(Word count: 400)

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