Sai Palki Procession
Shirdi is filled with grace and blessings of Sai Baba. This spiritual abode of Sai follows many traditions like "daily offerings by Abdul Baba and Boraoke families", "palaki procession every Thursday", "jholi parampara in mahasamadhi", "ramanavami" and "urs tradition".
The ‘Palki' procession starts from Samadhi Mandir which is eternal abode of Shri Sai, proceeds to Dwarkamai and then it moves to Chavadi. From Chavadi it returns back to Samadhi Mandir. This tradition has roots in those days when Shri Sai used to live here. From the year 1910 when Sai Baba was living in Dwarkamai Masjid, he used to sleep in Chavadi. His visit to Chavadi was accompanied by a Palki procession with all dignitaries including Tatya Kote Patil.
Prior to the "Thursday Palki" at around 8.00 PM Sai's old portrait wrapped in a Royal robe, sacred staff and sacred Paduka kept in a silver plate are placed on throne at the Samadhi to be viewed by devotees. At around 9.00 PM followers of Sai gather in main hall of Samadhi mandir and sing devotional songs like bhajans and abhangas. At 9.15 the procession starts from Samadhi temple carrying Baba's portrait held under a big umbrella, sacred staff and paduka. Priest carrying lighted incense leads this procession. As per tradition honor of holding portrait of Sai Baba goes to members of Tatya Kote Patil's current generation family members.
Thursday is considered to be most important day of worship of Saibaba. Many devotees reach Shirdi on Wednesday, so that they can attend early morning Kakad aarti on Thursday. Visit this destination on the eve of Thursday, so that you can attend early morning aarti as well as "Palki in Shirdi".
