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Pratishirdi temple located in Shirgaon near Pune is a must-visit place for those looking for a peaceful spiritual getaway. Being a replica of the famous Shirdi Sai Baba temple, Pratishirdi allows devotees to experience the blessings of Sai Baba without traveling all the way to Shirdi. Read on to know everything about visiting this marvelous temple near Pune.
The Pratishirdi temple is a beautiful shrine built in devotion to Sai Baba of Shirdi. Located just 40 - 50km from Pune, it serves as an accessible alternative to the renowned Shirdi temple in Maharashtra. Being an architectural marvel, Pratishirdi offers a similar darshan experience within proximate reach for the residents of Pune and Mumbai.
The temple complex houses a peaceful replica of the Dwarkamai, beautifully adorned idols, and continuous recitals of prayers, making it a divine destination for spiritual seekers. Keep reading to learn everything about visiting timing, accommodation options nearby, and the unique experience of Pratishirdi temple.
Reaching Prati Shirdi Temple Near Pune
The Prati Shirdi temple is located at Shirgaon village off the Mumbai-Pune highway near Talegaon. To reach the temple from Pune, take the following route:
Take the Mumbai-Pune expressway and continue for about 35km towards Mumbai.
Exit at Somatane toll plaza and head right below the flyover.
Drive straight for 2km until Shirgaon village; Pratishirdi temple comes on the left.
The entire drive takes around 1 hour from Pune. Visitors from Mumbai can reach in 1.5 hours using the Mumbai-Pune expressway. Private taxis and buses are easily available from Pune and Mumbai to reach Pratishirdi temple.
Reaching Without a Private Vehicle
If you don't have a personal car, there are other convenient ways to reach Pratishirdi temple:
Train - Take a train to Talegaon Railway Station, which is just 10km from the temple. From there you can take a bus or auto-rickshaw.
Bus - There are regular MSRTC buses every 30 minutes from Pune and Mumbai to Talegaon town. The bus stand is 9km from the temple.
Auto - From Talegaon station an auto-rickshaw costs around ₹50-60 per person to reach the temple.
So trains and buses are the most economical options if you do not have your transport. The connectivity is very smooth and convenient.
Timings of Prati Shirdi Temple
The Prati Shirdi temple remains open from 5 AM to 10 PM daily. The morning aarti starts at 5 AM while the night aarti takes place at 8 PM. Devotees are allowed for darshan from 6 AM to 10 PM. On average, more than 5000 devotees visit the temple premises each day.
Thursday is considered the most auspicious day for darshan, with the highest footfall of Sai Baba devotees. The temple does not remain closed on any day, so planning your visit for any day of the week is suitable. However, reaching early in the morning ensures fewer crowds and a blissful darshan experience.
History & Significance of Prati Shirdi Temple
Prati Shirdi temple was built in 2003 by Mr. Y.D. Phadke and Prakash Deole in the small village of Shirgaon. Being ardent devotees of Shirdi Sai Baba, they envisioned creating an accessible replica of Shirdi for the residents of Pune and Mumbai. The construction took four years, and the temple was opened to pilgrims in 2007.
The highlight of Pratishirdi temple is that it replicates major sections of Shirdi like Dwarkamai, Gurusthan, and Samadhi Mandir within one premise. Intricately carved marble idols imported Rajasthani stone, and continuously playing holy chants make Pratishirdi a peaceful place that instantly evokes the aura of Shirdi. The Neem tree, palanquin procession, and Prasad meals make the experience very similar.
While not as expansive as the original Shirdi, Pratishirdi offers the key highlights for devotees to pay respects to Sai Baba without traveling far. The temple trust ensures smooth functioning through donations and nominal fees. Overall, Pratishirdi temple is an architectural and spiritual marvel for Sai devotees.
Temple Sections to See
The Pratishirdi temple complex is thoughtfully built to mirror Shirdi and help devotees relive the experience. The main sections to see include:
The Dwarkamai
This is the most significant section as it replicates the Dwarkamai where Sai Baba used to reside and hold his discourses. The Dwarkamai has a life-size marble idol of Sai Baba along with a wooden bed and palanquin replicating his room. Prayers are continuously chanted in the hall, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Gurusthan
The Gurusthan houses the neem tree and a shrine below it. This commemorates the place where Sai Baba was first spotted as a young fakir in Shirdi village. The Gurusthan is the actual site where Sai Baba attained samadhi.
Prasadalaya
Adjacent to the temple is the dining hall where lunch prasad is served daily to all devotees. The food is tasty, and prepared by temple volunteers with utmost devotion.
The food coupon cost is 50 Rs/person.
Prasad Timings -
Lunch Timing: 12 pm - 3 pm
Dinner Timing: 6 pm - 9 pm
Marble Idols
Scattered around the temple are beautifully carved marble idols of Sai Baba and other deities. You can sit before the idol for as long as you want and meditate in the peaceful ambiance.
Meditation & Darshan
One can also do parikrama around the temple as well as sit quietly in the surrounding lawns for meditation. There are specified darshan queues to get a glimpse of the main Sai Baba idol.
Aarti
It is recommended not to miss the special aarti, whether morning or evening. The idol is beautifully decorated amid chanting and bells. You can offer flowers and soak in the divine atmosphere.
What Else To See Near Prati Shirdi
While in Shirgaon, you can combine your trip to Prati Shirdi temple with visits to a few interesting places nearby:
Shivneri Fort - This iconic 17th-century fort just 89km from Prati Shirdi is where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born. The entry fee is ₹25 per person
Saras Baug - Beautiful 300-year-old Ganesh temple on a hilltop, with an idol shaped naturally from mountain rock.
Rajwada Palace - The historical palace was built in the 17th century by the Peshwa rulers in the town of Talegaon.
Dehu Road - Famed pilgrimage town with Sant Tukaram Maharaj Temple just 12km from Pratishirdi.
Somatane Waterfall - Quaint waterfall near the highway perfect for a quick picnic outing.
A full-day trip can be planned including such sightseeing and spiritual spots along with Prati Shirdi temple.
Key Takeaways About Visiting Prati Shirdi Temple
Prati Shirdi temple excellently replicates the peaceful ambiance and experience of Shirdi within easy access from Pune and Mumbai.
The most significant sight is the Dwarkamai along with the Gurusthan, daily processions, and marble idols.
The best time to visit is Thursday mornings when crowds are manageable. Stay for evening aarti.
Do not miss having the tasty prasad meals in the afternoon.
Nearby stay options are available in Talegaon and Chakan within 5-8km distance.
The top places to club along with Prati Shirdi are Shivneri Fort, Saras Baug, and Dehu Road.
So visit the architectural and spiritual wonder of Prati Shirdi on your next trip to Pune for a divine experience and the blessings of Sai Baba.