The quaint village of Shirdi, located in the Indian state of Maharashtra, is synonymous with the revered saint, Sai Baba, who made this place his home until his Samadhi in 1918. Among the various locations in Shirdi associated with Sai Baba, the Chavadi holds a significant place in the hearts of his followers and history of the village.
The term Chavadi traditionally refers to a village meeting place or office, and in the context of Shirdi, it is where Sai Baba would sleep every alternate night. A place of simple construction, it has been split into two sections: one where Baba's idol and belongings are kept and the second that houses the wooden bed that Baba used to sleep on.
The transformation of Shirdi into a pilgrimage center began soon after the death of Sai Baba, with devotees arriving to pay homage to their guru at his final resting place, the Samadhi Mandir, and his residence, the Dwarkamai. The Chavadi gained prominence as part of the pilgrimage circuit, given its historical connection to Sai Baba's life.
Initially frequented by a small number of ardent devotees, over the years, Shirdi has grown into one of the most visited spiritual destinations in India, attracting millions of visitors annually. Chavadi's tourism history augmented with the influx of pilgrims, leading to its conservation and inclusion in the 'Palki' procession that re-enacts the path Sai Baba would walk from Dwarkamai to Chavadi.
The latest trend in tourism at Shirdi emphasizes sustainable and responsible travel. Efforts are being made to manage the facilities better and provide amenities that cater to the needs of international visitors while preserving the sanctity and simplicity of places like the Chavadi.
Developmental activities are now closely monitored to ensure that they do not disturb the essence of this holy site. The local administration and the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust have also introduced measures to streamline the flow of visitors, provide accommodation, and maintain cleanliness, ensuring a spiritually fulfilling experience for pilgrims.
Virtual reality and online Darshan booking are recent additions to the list of facilities provided to devotees, allowing them to experience the sacredness of Chavadi and other temples of Shirdi from the comfort of their homes. This initiative particularly gained momentum during the worldwide pandemic when travel was restricted.
Looking ahead, the legacy of Sai Baba and the historical significance of the Chavadi continue to be the linchpin for tourism in Shirdi. With the growing focus on spiritual tourism, Chavadi is poised to retain its status as a key attraction while adapting to modern visitor needs, ensuring that the history and teachings of Sai Baba are preserved and propagated for generations to come.
