This one is a short Pilgrimage.
For a long time we’ve been deciding to go to Shirdi, and finally the plan was made. It was Saturday and we were suppose to leave early in the morning, but as usual i got up late and by the time we left it was 10 am. It was a long drive, 250 kms and almost 5 hrs of driving. Didn’t realize the importance of leaving early but learnt it on the way. As the day progressed it started getting hotter and hotter. The ac in the car was at its highest level but no good against the sun’s heat. The temperature outside was above 40 degrees and kept rising.
The road till Nasik is under construction for four lane. So for few Km its a lovely drive then u have to slow down due to construction and this continues till you cross Igatpuri.
The entire way looked deserted during summer.
This is what happens when u get overloaded.
We took the by-pass road from Ghoti, a very bad choice. The entire way till Shirdi is rough and you can say there are no pot holes on the road but the road is in pot holes. Though the road were pathetic but it had a scenic view on both sides. Lots of wind mills on the way. Finally we reached Shirdi.
I’ve been here in 2007 and seems like its been ages as things have changed rapidly for the past three years. We booked a room right opposite to the temple. After relaxing for an hour we headed for the darshan of Sri Sai Baba.
After having the wonderful darshan of Sri Sai Baba we headed for the hotel had dinner and went to sleep immediately, as was very tired. The next day we were suppose to go to Shani Shingnapur and then to Trimbakeshwar.
The road to Shani Shingnapur is wide and there were hardly any pot holes. The strech is for almost 75 – 80 kms from Shirdi. Once you near the temple the shop keepers will pounce on u like vultures. The best option to park your vehicle is at the temple parking area. After having bath we went for the darshan. You are suppose to offer oil to the Lord which I had already bought.
Now the journey for another destination begins – Trimbakeshwar. One the way i was damm hungry so we stopped at a Dhaba. Surprisingly this place had a specialty dish “Thikat Sevchi Bhaji”. Until now I haven’t had this bhaji and after having it I’m a fan of this dish.
By the time we reached Trimbakeshwar it was eight in the evening. We halted at Shri Kishore Trimbakshastri Patankar’s place for the night. He is a well know Guruji in Trimbakeshwar. Next morning was busy with darshans and pujas. Trimbakeshwar is famous for its Jyotirlinga.
This was the last halt of the trip and then we headed back home. And a short pilgrimage come to an end.
Waiting anxiously to go for another trip but will need to figure out when and where.
Take Life As It Comes.... 
Nice Pics….
Thanks.
Inside the trimbakeshwar temple there is rampant pickpocketing taking place. the pickpocketers are non other than the people who are managing the pilgrims in front of the diety (where the pilgrim see the diety). They are supposed to help the pilgrims, but they do opposite. The guards and these people are a gang, they confuse the pilgrim in the guise of explaining about the deity, offering prasad to the pilgrim etc and jointly do pickpocketing. It is known to all the police there.
No one should take more than Rs.100 (small notes of 10 ruppes) as it is very likely that they will not come out of the temple with money if they take more. These guards / monitoring people are expert pickpocketers. I do not know why the government / management committe of temple do not take note of this and take action on them.
It is best that military personnel are assigned this work so that the pilgrims can save themselves of this big menance there. In the name of God they are carrying out day light robbery.
I and my family faced this problem.
I am sharing this for the benefit of the pilgrims.
Please share this with all who plan to visit the temple so that they can avoid this big problem.
This will also help in choking these thugs business of pickpocketing as they will not have a single pilgrim from whom they can get money through pickpocketing.
As I have been put in big trouble by these people i have taken up the mission of informing this to all and make these pickpocketers helpless.
Hey thanks for the information.
Thanks a ton for th information on pickpocketing. I am planning to go this weekend to shiridi and then to trimbekeshwar and your information surely helps.
Hey Joel,
If possible also visit Shani Shingnapur.
BTW the pick pocketing information was provided by one of the readers. Thanks to him for this information.
Have a wonderful trip. 🙂
wonderfullly album
Thanks buddy. 🙂