Shirdi, a small town in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India, has been synonymous with the revered saint Sai Baba. Dwarkamai, an unassuming mosque situated in the heart of Shirdi, served as the abode of Sai Baba for approximately 60 years of his life. Now recognized as one of the most venerated religious spots, it draws millions of devotees from across the globe, seeking the blessings of Sai Baba and looking to experience the spiritual energy that the place emanates.
Dwarkamai is unique in the sense that it is one of the few mosques that houses a temple within its premises - symbolizing Sai Baba's philosophy of oneness and religious unity. Sai Baba is believed to have arrived in Shirdi as a young man and found solace in this dilapidated mosque. Over time, he transformed it into Dwarkamai, a term that denotes compassion and signifies that the mosque is as holy and sacred as Dwarka, the ancient kingdom of Lord Krishna.
The history of tourism in Shirdi and particularly Dwarkamai is interwoven with the life of Sai Baba. His simple philosophy of "Sabka Malik Ek" (One God governs all) attracted followers from all faiths. After his death in 1918, Shirdi gradually became a prominent place for pilgrimage, with Dwarkamai being the heart of this devotion. The mosque, where Sai Baba spent most of his life, also houses the eternal flame that he lit, which continues to burn to this day.
The explosion of popularity for Dwarkamai came after several biographical works on Sai Baba were published. Word of his teachings and miracles began to spread far and wide. This cultural transmission led to increasing numbers of pilgrims visiting Dwarkamai, especially since the late 20th century. With the advancement of transportation and infrastructure, along with promotion by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), Shirdi and Dwarkamai have become more accessible for visitors from around the world.
In recent years, tourism in Shirdi and at Dwarkamai has become more organized, with the establishment of the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust that manages the day-to-day activities related to the shrine. With the advancement in the hospitality sector, numerous hotels and eateries have been established to accommodate the influx of tourists.
The latest tourism trends point towards more immersive experiences. Visitors are now increasingly interested in understanding Sai Baba's teachings, participating in temple activities, and volunteering services. Ecotourism has also picked up, as the administration promotes sustainable tourism practices to preserve the sanctity and cleanliness of this spiritual town.
Seasonal festivals like Ram Navami, Guru Purnima, and Sai Baba's death anniversary (known as Sai Punyatithi) attract the highest number of tourists, causing a significant spike in the otherwise steady flow of visitors throughout the year.
Shirdi's tourism, especially the reverence for Dwarkamai, continues to soar as more people across different demographics seek spiritual solace. The site stands not only as a significant religious spot but also as a beacon for interfaith harmony, significantly contributing to India's rich heritage of spiritual tourism.
