There is no mandatory sequence for visiting Shirdi and Shani Shingnapur; your choice should primarily be based on your travel convenience and route. Many visitors find it convenient to choose the order that best suits their journey plans, whether starting at Shirdi and proceeding to Shani Shingnapur, or vice versa. Some visitors prefer to go to Shirdi first and then Shani Shingnapur, while others do the reverse, indicating that there is no fixed rule or religious dictate on which site to visit first.
Understanding the Proximity and Travel Options
Shirdi, home to the revered Sai Baba Temple, and Shani Shingnapur, famous for its open-air temple dedicated to Lord Shani, are located relatively close to each other in Maharashtra, India. The distance between Shirdi and Shani Shingnapur is approximately 70 to 80 kilometers, making it easy to visit both places on the same trip, often as a day excursion from Shirdi.
Factors to Consider When Deciding Your Sequence
Since there's no strict rule, your decision can be guided by practical considerations that enhance your travel experience.
1. Starting Point and Route
- If arriving by train/flight via Ahmednagar/Kopargaon: You might find it geographically sensible to visit Shani Shingnapur first if your entry point is closer to it, then proceed to Shirdi.
- If arriving directly at Shirdi (e.g., Shirdi Airport): It's often more convenient to check into your accommodation in Shirdi, visit the Sai Baba Temple, and then plan a day trip to Shani Shingnapur.
2. Accommodation Base
- Most devotees choose to stay in Shirdi due to the abundance of accommodation options and its status as the primary pilgrimage site. From Shirdi, you can easily arrange a round trip to Shani Shingnapur by private cab, shared taxi, or local bus. This arrangement naturally leads to visiting Shirdi first or using it as a base.
3. Time of Day and Crowd Management
- Sai Baba Temple, Shirdi: Can be very crowded, especially during peak seasons, weekends, and festivals. Visiting early mornings or late evenings might help manage crowds.
- Shani Shingnapur Temple: While also popular, it might have fewer queues compared to Shirdi. Consider visiting it at a time when you anticipate fewer people or cooler weather.
4. Personal Preference and Beliefs
While there's no religious decree on the order, some individuals might have a personal preference or a sense of spiritual inclination towards visiting one deity before the other. This is purely a personal choice and does not impact the spiritual merit of your pilgrimage.
Practical Travel Tips
To make your visit to both Shirdi and Shani Shingnapur smooth and enjoyable, consider the following:
- Mode of Transport:
- Private Cabs: The most convenient option, offering flexibility in timing and itinerary. You can hire them from Shirdi.
- Shared Taxis/Jeeps: A more economical option, often available near the Shirdi bus stand.
- State Transport Buses: Regular bus services connect Shirdi to Shani Shingnapur, offering the most budget-friendly way to travel.
- Duration: A visit to Shani Shingnapur typically takes half a day, including travel time from Shirdi. Allow ample time for darshan at both places, especially Shirdi.
- Dress Code: Both are religious sites, so modest clothing is advisable.
In conclusion, the decision to visit Shirdi first or Shani Shingnapur first is entirely up to you. Plan your trip based on what makes most sense for your travel logistics, comfort, and preferences.
