The Chavadi Mandir was originally a place wherein taxes were collected, village records kept and visiting officials put up. The literal meaning of chavadi is ‘village office’ and this temple was a place for accommodating pilgrims and also used for storage of books until the late 1930s. At present, the village offices have been relocated and Chavadi Mandir is recognised as a shrine of Sai Baba.

The temple is considered sacred because the holy saint Sai Baba resided over here during his last year. Various aartis like Kakad aarti, Sej aarti along with afternoon aartis are conducted throughout the day at the Chavadi Mandir.

A large portrait of Sai Baba painted by Amabaram from Gujarat is placed inside the Chavadi Temple. The temple also has a bed wherein the saint was given his last bath after he passed. This bed is considered as sacred and is covered with palanquin and is taken out every Thursday. The temple also has an unused wheelchair of Sai Baba placed near the bed. Another portrait of Sai Baba is placed on the right end of the Chavadi Mandir. It is taken out on processions during festivals and on every Thursday.

Open: Every day

Visiting timing: 0345 Hours to 2100 Hours.

Showcasing some of Sai Baba’s personal belongings, the Dixit Wada museum offers visitors an interesting insight into his simple and pious life. It was established by Kakasaheb Dixit in the year 1911 on Ram Navami with Baba’s permission.

On a close acquaintance’s suggestion, Kakasaheb Dixit came to Sai Baba, when he developed a low self-esteem post injuring his leg. After meeting the saint, he became one of Baba’s most exemplary devotees. When the museum’s construction was completed, Dixit took up residence in a small room on the first floor, leaving out the rest of the building for the use of the devotees.

Presently, the museum displays a number of black and white pictures of Sai Baba with his disciples and some of his personal belongings like:

• robes
• pipe
• leather padukas (footwear)
• gramophone records
• cooking utensils
• water tumblers.

Before planning a visit to Dixit Wada Museum, remember the following facts:

• It is located within the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust Complex.
• It is open all days.
• Entry is free.
• Visiting hours is from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.