I was thinking of going to visit Shirdi Sai baba temple. I have just started collecting some info related the travel as Shirdi is in Maharashtra and I was searching for the various travel options through Google.Parallely I was enquiring to visit some of the popular travels. When I enquired I come to know getting tickets to such a distant place was not so easy. Also as I was planning to Visit Shirdi alone no travel operator nor through the package travel options was not possible for me. The cost of the package trip would cost approx 3600Rs and for a Deluxe journey Rs4400.
So I have decided to go by train 2627 Karnataka Express an express train which goes to New Delhi. I have tried for tickets it was wait listed 94 and then again I have tried tickets through Tatkal it had cost around Rs750 for sleeper class. I have planned to stay one night at Shirdi and for my return travel my train ticket was waitlisted at24 andI thought the ticket would get confirm. I tried to book some hotel room calling from Bangalore no one was ready to accommodate a room for me as I was travelling alone. Even hotels like Sai leela initially confirmed me to come then after coming to know that I am single they refrain to accommodate me. In that moment I have prayed to my Lord I have decided to have a Darshan to you even If I happen to sleep in the street of Shirdi also I would be very happy the holy place where your foot was touched.
The train reached promptly around 2:00Pm next day and was searching for an auto to Shirdi from Kopargoan.The shared auto drivers are very reasonable and they charged Rs20 per head.In the Auto I have met another devotee from Bangalore. We have got a accommodation in a small hotel near to Sai baba Temple itself.The crowd was continuously flooding as it was a holiday and there was no blockage and the line continue to move fast and had Darshan within an hour.We have planned for one more Darshan in the night and had at around 10:00PM.The crowd was very less.
The next day morning I was trying for kakad Arthi an early morning Arthi to Sai around 4:30Pm.Normally for that some special tickets will be issued only for VIP and Government officers.I woke up around 3:00, ‘O clock and gone to temple around 3:40am.There was a huge crowd waiting to have Darshan .I couldn’t able to make a direct Kakad Arti Darshan as the crowd was so huge I could see that through only Tv.We had Darshan at around 5:40am after the kakad Arti.Then I had bough some Prasad sold through the co operative stores and had purchased some more laddu as well stored in a Gate 2 at northern part of the Ashram. Bought 2 packs of Laddu(each pack cost 10Rs).
While on the return journey my ticket status was WL 8 and I could manged to get a seat and come back safely to Bangalore due to the blessings of Sai baba without any hassles.After the Darshan you would be relieved with your mental stress if any.
My actual travel expense all inclusive was around Rs3000/-
Tips:
- If you go with family or alone avoid taking risks and don't go without having a confirmed booking.Try for a Tatkal booking you need shell aroundRs1500 for To and fro and it is reasonable to travel than an hectic and long bus journey.
- Try to book through some good hotels like Sai leela who have booking facility at bangalore itself.
- To have early morningArti darshan wake up early around and go to the Q around 2:30Pm.Without the special or VIP privilege you shall get Darshan.
