Insight into the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple

Words from Sai on Temples

While in His body, Baba extolled the importance of temples.

As mentioned in Sai Satcharitra, Chapter 7, Baba completed the repair and revitalization of almost all of the temples in Shirdi, including the temples of Shani (referring to the planet Saturn in vedic astrology), Ganesha, Shankar-Parvati, the village deity (referred to as the “Gram Devata”) and Maruti (also referred to as Lord Hanuman).

Baba himself conveyed the power that a temple can have on us. When His devotee, Megha, once came to the Masjid without worshiping God Khandoba (a deity widely worshiped in the state of Maharashtra), Baba did not accept his worship and sent him back to receive purification and blessings from Khandoba first (Chapter 28).

Additionally, the Samadhi Mandir in Shirdi, where the remains of Baba's physical body lay, was built at the behest of Baba. He said, “Build the Wada [large home] with the temple. I shall fulfill the desires of all” (mentioned in Chapter 39).

Having the chance to visit the Samadhi Temple of Shirdi Sai Baba in India is a highlight in every devotee’s life. Many who have visited have felt as if a spiritual cleansing bath took place upon seeing Baba’s samadhi and the mesmerizing countenance of His idol. And henceforth a deep, life-long connection to Baba’s powerful Presence enters them.

Mohanji on the power of Temples

Mohanji has said, “These temples are not just places of worship. They are places of rejuvenation and transformation. The idols are installed in a particular way, format, size, shape. And, energy is induced into them through a ritual. And, it’s kept enhanced through aartis and pujas etc.

When a person comes near that idol, there is a transmission, an energy exchange happening. It takes from 8 seconds to 40 seconds before the transfer is completed. So, it activates, it rejuvenates you.”

Every aspect of the experience of a Temple has been designed to enhance our connection and the potential for transformation. Each of our senses gets activated - hearing the temple bells and Aarti; the visuals of the beautiful idol and the light of the lamp (“deep”), the smell of flowers and incense (“dhoop”), the taste of prasad (consecrated food offered to deities), and the touch of Baba’s feet and sacred ash (“vibuthi”).

Mohanji has been establishing temples dedicated to Shirdi Sai Baba across the world, spreading the teachings and the powerful Presence of Baba.

Baba Himself selected the land in Palakkad, Kerala (home town of Mohanji) where Mohanji wanted to build a Baba temple. As Mohanji recalls how Baba miraculously appeared as a passenger in a car of an acquaintance of Mohanji, showed him a piece of land, and said “This is where I want my temple.” To hear the full incident from Mohanji himself, click here.

The upcoming Shirdi Sai Temple in Virginia

Construction is underway for the Shirdi Sai temple in the beautiful Appalachian mountain area of Virginia. The Temple will be a sacred space where all, regardless of their spiritual path, can connect with consciousness and feel the Presence of the powerful deities.

The “Prana Prathishta” (the activation process where the full energy of a deity is installed in an idol) will take place on April 21, 2024.

We invite you to participate in bringing Baba's Presence to life for the benefit of all.

As Mohanji says, “when you go to a temple, go empty and receive everything.”