Pune: Visit Prati Shirdi in Shirgaon – A Perfect Replica of the Famous Shirdi Sai Baba Temple

Reported By Kajal Bhukan 
Talegaon Dabhade, 24th June 2025: Just 25 kilometers from the heart of Pune city, nestled along the old Pune-Mumbai highway, lies a divine destination that offers a spiritual experience reminiscent of Shirdi — Prati Shirdi in Shirgaon. Built in 2003 by Shri Prakash Deole, a former legislative council member and founder trustee of Shri Sai Baba Temple Trust, this temple has emerged as a beacon of devotion and faith of thousands of Sai Baba followers.

The Temple Complex
Prati Shirdi is not just inspired by the original Sai Baba temple of Shirdi it is a near-perfect replica. From the Gurusthan and Dwarkamai to the Chavadi and Samadhi Mandir, every corner of the Shirgaon temple reflects meticulous attention to detail. “When I first visited, I felt like I was walking in Shirdi itself,” says Prerna Joshi, a devotee from Pune. “The serenity, the architecture, even the way the rituals are performed — it’s identical.”
At the heart of the temple stands the Samadhi Sthan, where a larger-than-life marble idol of Shri Sai Baba, carved from Makrana marble by Shri Ramprasad Bharadwaj, sits in his customary cross-legged posture.The idol radiates serenity, elegance, and divine aura. “Looking into Baba’s eyes here fills me with a deep sense of peace and strength,” says Soham Kulkarni, a regular visitor from Lonavala.

Gurusthan: The Foundation of Faith
In Shirdi, Sai Baba often meditated under a neem tree. A similar arrangement was made in Shirgaon. The land chosen for the temple already had six neem trees, one of which was chosen based on Vaastu principles to recreate the Gurusthan. The religious importance of this location contributes to the sanctity and genuineness of the location.

Rajwada and Annachattra
Another architectural marvel within the temple complex is the Rajwada — a palace-like structure that merges ancient and modern styles. It houses the Annachattra, where Mahaprasad is served daily from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM and 6 PM to 9 PM. The kitchen is equipped to serve up to 1500 devotees at a time, with seating provided on tables.
“We came here on a weekend, and the food at the Annachattra was not only delicious but served with such humility,” says Fatima Shaikh, a first-time visitor. “It felt like Baba’s blessings were in every bite.”

Rituals and Aarti Schedule
The temple follows the same ritual schedule as the original Shirdi shrine:

Kakad Aarti: 5:00 AM
Madhyan Aarti: 12:00 PM
Dhoop Aarti: 6:15 PM
Shej Aarti: 10:00 PM

The temple opens daily at 5:00 AM and closes at 10:00 PM, with sufficient time for the devotees to attend aarti and other poojas.

Prati Shirdi’s Social Impact
Beyond being a center of devotion, Prati Shirdi is deeply committed to social welfare. The temple trust runs over 9 charitable projects, educates more than 2000 students, and supports a community of over 50 sevekari (volunteers) who help in managing temple affairs and aiding devotees.
The temple sees an average of 5000 visitors daily, many of whom find spiritual solace and community support here. “This temple is more than a religious site — it’s a place where people come to heal, learn, and serve,” says a volunteer.

Accessibility and Facilities
Prati Shirdi is easily accessible via road and lies conveniently on the Pune-Mumbai old highway. Ample parking space, clean surroundings, and wheelchair-accessible areas make it a welcoming place for everyone. The temple is open to all, irrespective of caste or creed, and encourages devotees to participate in community service.
The entire complex is well-maintained, thanks to the dedicated team of volunteers and the vision of Shri Prakash Deole, who ensured every brick laid would resonate with the essence of the original Shirdi.

For those who cannot travel all the way to Shirdi, Prati Shirdi in Shirgaon offers an equally enriching spiritual experience. Its devotion, architecture, and atmosphere mirror the original temple so closely that many devotees find it hard to tell the difference.
Whether you’re seeking peace, blessings, or a quiet space to reflect and connect with the divine, this Sai Baba temple near Pune offers the perfect spiritual retreat.
“Baba lives here as much as he does in Shirdi. You only need faith,” says Arun, summarizing what many feel after visiting Prati Shirdi.