“God speaks in silence.” Isn’t that a powerful invitation to explore Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of Austin? This temple welcomes everyone to experience peace and spiritual growth.
Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of Austin opened its doors on March 21 2010. Non-Hindus are welcome here. Please dress respectfully. Shorts and t-shirts are not appropriate. Treat this sacred space with reverence. Ask questions about Hinduism at the office.
Many begin their visit with Ganapati. His small shrine sits in front of the Sai Baba Temple. You can find a footwash across the patio. It is near the northeast entrance. Wash your feet and hands before entering the temple.
Come and sit quietly before Baba. Silence helps you connect with God. Aarati is a group worship lasting about 20 minutes. It happens daily at 7:30 am noon 6:30 pm and 8:00 pm. Thursday nights feature a later aarati. The prayers are sung in Marathi. Books with English translations are available. The Sai Baba idol is nearly identical to the one in Shirdi. It is just a bit shorter to honor the original.
Devotees also worship the Dattatreya idol. Sai Baba is considered an incarnation of Dattatreya. He embodies Brahma Vishnu and Mahesh. Small idols of the Navagrahas or nine planets are at the back.
When aarati is not in progress you can sponsor archana. Priests will recite Baba’s 108 names. They will offer fruit for you and your family. Copies of the Sai Satcharitra are available. It tells the story of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba’s life. You can find gift items in the temple office.
Thursday nights are very busy. Prasad is served through the kitchen window. Milk abhishekam is performed over small Baba idols. Rudram is chanted during this. Bhajans are from 7:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Archana follows from 8:00 pm to 8:15 pm.
The Dhuni and Deepa Sala are outside the south door. Baba kept a continuous fire burning in Shirdi. This was called the dhuni. The temple keeps a flame burning in remembrance. The Dwarkamayi picture is above the dhuni. Circumbulate it nine times repeating OM SRI DWARKAMAYI. This is to receive Baba’s blessings.
The Deepa Sala surrounds the dhuni. Here devotees light a deepam. Lights are believed to create a connection. This is a connection between the celestial and earthly realms.
Across from the Dhuni is the Homa Kunda. Priests perform Vedic yagnas there regularly. Mantras are recited and offerings are made. Walk around the homa kunda three times. Show respect to the devatas. Worship the large Ganapati idol there too.
The Meditation Hall is behind the Main Sai Baba Temple. A small idol of Shirdi Sai Baba sits inside. This was the first idol used by the temple. It was used when the temple was in the Railyard Shopping Mall. Once a tear emerged from Baba’s eye on this idol. This hall is good for quiet reflection. Read the Sai Satcharitra here. Various classes are also held in this room.
Younger children enjoy the playground area. It is next to the Meditation Hall.
The Kitchen is across the patio from the north door. Devotees make Prasad here. It is given free on Thursday nights and weekends. Prasad is often available at other times. On Thursday nights it is distributed through the kitchen window. At other times you can serve yourself inside the kitchen. Please keep the kitchen clean.
The Kitchen also prepares lunches for the homeless. This is Sandwich Seva. It happens Sunday mornings. The kitchen also collects food for hungry school children.
The Cultural Hall is next to the kitchen. Devotees rent it for weddings and other events. It has a professional sound and lighting system.
The Shanti Pond is in the NE corner. Children love seeing the koi fish. It is considered auspicious to walk around the pond. Listen to the waterfall. Watch the Ganga fountain cascade into the pond.
Guru Poornimah is a major festival. It is on the first full moon in July. Baba’s Mahasamadhi Day is another. It is called Dassara or Vijaya Dasami. It falls ten days after the nine days of Mother Divine. Food Melas are held in the spring and fall. January 1 is the busiest day. Devotees come for archana and blessings.
Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of Austin embodies a vision. This is a vision of spiritual growth and selfless service. It is a place where everyone is welcome. Come experience the divine presence and find peace.