Craving a serene escape in the heart of Mumbai? The Sai Mandir offers exactly that. Sai Baba temples hold a special place in the hearts of many devotees. They worship him for his teachings of love and humility.
Here at this Sai Mandir, you will find a serene space for prayer. It is a space for meditation and spiritual connection. Mumbai has quite a few different Sai Baba temples to explore. This one is among the most frequented by locals. They seek to bring peace into their lives. Each Sai Mandir in Mumbai brings its unique charm. Special religious events are conducted regularly.
Let’s step inside the Sai Mandir. Notice the calming atmosphere. The structure is well-maintained. You can offer prayers here. You can also attend aarti sessions. Seek blessings from Sai Baba. This temple is not very big. Yet it offers a very intimate spiritual experience. Adjacent to the temple are small shops. Here you can buy puja essentials. Buy flowers and sweets to offer to the deity.
Many devotees visit the Sai Mandir for aarti. They seek guidance from Sai Baba. The temple also conducts regular religious programs. These include bhajans and kirtans. The temple has multiple smaller shrines. They are dedicated to other Hindu deities.
Did you know that the Sai Baba Temple in Girgaum is now known as Saidham Wadi? This is because of the temple’s popularity. Shri Balaji Vasant Talim founded the institution known as Saidham in 1952. Keshavrao Bhole, a sincere Sai devotee, was a chief member. He took keen interest in spreading the Sai cult.
An Audumbar tree stands near the Talim Art Studio. Devotees of Guru Datta believe God Datta resides under this tree. Some believe Sai Baba is an incarnation of God Datta. Shri Bhole wanted to build a Sai temple near the Audumbar tree. This was for the convenience of Sai devotees in Mumbai.
Talim carved the statue of Shri Sai Baba. It was temporarily installed in his studio hall. The temple was open to the public two days a week. It was later moved to a firewood depot due to space constraints. A Christian lady offered her house for the temple. The house was remodeled to look like a temple. Yeshwantrao Chavan inaugurated the temple in I960. Saint Tukdoji Maharaj was present at the installation.
The statue of Shri Sai Baba is in a sitting posture. Gazing at his face, one feels like Sai Baba is conversing with you. The statue’s left hand rests on the Lode. The background is decorated in silver. A silver umbrella hangs over the statue. The Padukas are in front of the statue. There is a donation box nearby.
The schedule of Aarti at Saidham is similar to Shirdi. Kakad Aarti starts at 5 a.m. Shej Aarti takes place at 10 p.m. Another Aarti is performed at 6 p.m. Sai devotees gather in large numbers for all the Aartis. Festivals are celebrated round the year. Abhisheks and Satyanarayan Poojas are also performed often.
The dream to build a Sai temple under the Audumber tree was fulfilled. An Audumbar tree grew in the garden behind the Mandir. This tree is considered a miracle. Aarti is conducted under this tree.
Sai Baba believed serving humanity was as good as worshiping God. In 1961, a Charitable Homeopathic dispensary was started at Saidham. It served the poor and needy.
The hall of the Mandir is spacious. It can accommodate about five hundred people. Cultural films are screened in the hall. An oil lamp is constantly burning in this temple.
As you leave the Sai Mandir, carry with you the peace and serenity you found here. Remember Sai Baba’s teachings of love and humility. Let’s make them a part of our daily lives. This is the true essence of visiting this sacred place.