Places Around Shirdi

Gurusthan means “place of the Guru”. It is both where Baba spent most of his time when he first came to Shirdi, and also where, according to Baba, the tomb of his own Guru is located by the neem tree. Gurusthan is therefore one of the most important places in Shirdi. From underneath the Neem tree there is an underground tunnel or passage leading to the place of Dwarkamai as told by an old lady.
Once when some villagers were digging the foundations for Sathe Wada just behind the neem tree, they came across some bricks in the soil and what looked like the opening of a tunnel. Uncertain whether to proceed or not, they asked Baba what they should do. He told them that this was the site of the tombs of his ancestors and that it would be better not to disturb them.
Today at Gurusthan, in addition to the neem tree, there is a pair of marble padukas on a pedestal, a ‘Shivalinga’ and a statue of Baba. The statue, carved by the grandson of the sculptor of the Samadhi Mandir statue, was donated by Y. D. Dave and installed in 1974; the other things were set up in Baba’s time. The unveiling ceremony was done by Saint Shri Parnerkar Maharaj.
It is also a holy shrine of Lord Shiva, and houses an idol of the Shiva lingam, along with the statue of Nandi bull in the front. The name of the place has been derived from the doings of Sai Baba. Throughout His life, Sai Baba has devoted Himself to the well-being of humans and has always imparted the role of a teacher or a Guru, quite efficiently.
A number of devotees throng to the sacred place to witness the religious abundance and earn the blessings of the Lord. It is believed that those who visit the holy shrine can discover their path to enlightenment. Thus, those who visit the shrine, light incense sticks in front of the Lord to cure the ailments and lead a smooth lifestyle.