Photo spot in Shirdi
Khandoba Mandir
Shirdi, Maharashtra
The hilltop temple where Sai Baba was first greeted as 'Aao Sai' on arriving in Shirdi — a revered starting point of the Sai story.
Best time
Early morning, when the road outside is quiet and the light is soft on the shrine; late afternoon for warm light on the temple front.
Best angle
Stand across the road from the entrance and take a straight-on photo of the small temple front with its steps and the village road around it.
Entry fee
Free
Opening hours
5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Khandoba Mandir
Early morning, when the road outside is quiet and the light is soft on the shrine; late afternoon for warm light on the temple front. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Khandoba Mandir
Stand across the road from the entrance and take a straight-on photo of the small temple front with its steps and the village road around it. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
At the temple entrance
At the viewpoint over town
Outfit guide
What to wear at Khandoba Mandir
For photos at Khandoba Mandir, saffron, yellow and red work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Shirdi.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural looks that suit Khandoba Mandir.
Eat nearby
Food near Khandoba Mandir
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for puran poli nearby.
Special dishes to try
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Good to know
Local tips
Walk here from the Samadhi Mandir along the main road; it takes about ten minutes.
Start your Sai walk here to follow the story in the order it happened.
Come in the early morning or late afternoon, when the road outside is quieter.
Ask before photographing the priest or anyone praying inside.
Look for turmeric on the shrine, the traditional offering to Khandoba.
Remove your shoes at the steps, even though the temple is small and informal.
Bring a little turmeric or a flower garland from the stalls if you want to make an offering.
Where the name began
In the late 1850s a young fakir arrived in Shirdi with a wedding party and stopped at this temple on the edge of the village. The priest, Mhalsapati, greeted him with "Ya Sai", Marathi for "welcome, Sai". The name stuck, and Mhalsapati became his first and closest devotee. For Sai pilgrims this is where the whole story starts.
Who Khandoba is
Khandoba is a form of Shiva worshipped as a warrior god across Maharashtra and the Deccan. He rides a horse, carries a sword, and is honoured with turmeric, which is why his temples are often dusted with yellow. Jejuri near Pune is his main shrine. Shirdi's temple is a small village version, and it was here long before Sai Baba came.
Visiting
The temple sits at the old entrance to the village, on the main road a short walk from the Samadhi Mandir. Allow about ten minutes on foot. It is small and usually quiet, which makes it a good contrast to the crowds in the main complex. There is no pass and rarely a queue.
Remove your shoes, dress modestly and ask before photographing the priest or anyone at prayer. Keep your phone away from the sanctum unless you are told photos are fine.
Putting it in order
If you want to follow Sai Baba's story in sequence, start here, then walk to Gurusthan, where he was first seen under the neem tree, then Dwarkamai and the Chavadi, and finish at the Samadhi Mandir.
Questions
Khandoba Mandir — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Khandoba Mandir?
Early morning, when the road outside is quiet and the light is soft on the shrine; late afternoon for warm light on the temple front. Stand across the road from the entrance and take a straight-on photo of the small temple front with its steps and the village road around it.
Is there an entry fee at Khandoba Mandir?
Entry to Khandoba Mandir is free.
What are the opening hours of Khandoba Mandir?
Khandoba Mandir is open 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
What should I wear at Khandoba Mandir?
Saffron, yellow and red photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Khandoba Mandir get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: early morning, when the road outside is quiet and the light is soft on the shrine; late afternoon for warm light on the temple front.
What food should I try near Khandoba Mandir?
Try puran poli at spots close by.
What does 'Ya Sai' mean?
It is Marathi for 'welcome, Sai'. The priest Mhalsapati used it to greet the young fakir at this temple, and it gave Sai Baba his name.
Is Khandoba Mandir older than the Sai Baba temple?
Yes. It was the village's Khandoba temple before Sai Baba arrived in the 1850s, while the Samadhi Mandir was built over his tomb after 1918.
How do I get to Khandoba Mandir from the Sai temple?
Walk along the main road towards the old village entrance, about ten minutes on foot. Autos will also take you if it is hot.
Who was Mhalsapati?
He was the priest of Shirdi's Khandoba temple and Sai Baba's first devotee. He stayed close to Baba for the rest of his life.