Shirdi Yatra in March: Book your IRCTC Package Today

One of the pious quotes of the Sai Baba reveals that “Love one another and help others to rise to the higher levels, simply by pouring out love. Love is infectious and the greatest healing energy”. Shirdi is a place famous for the God of all known as “Sai-Baba”. Shirdi is a small village in Maharashtra that became famous for the shrine of Sai. The beautiful shrine was built in the 19th century when Sai Baba was living with the villagers. This means the temple was established when Sai Baba was alive. Later, the shrine was built over the Samadhi of Sai Nath. It is believed that Sai Baba came to this village at the age of 16 and lived here with villagers till his death. Sai baba is said to be a magical person who used to full fill the wish of the villagers. He believed in humanity and serving/treating every minute organism of the earth with love and compassion. However, there are some secrets attached to his life like his birthplace, original name and parents. These secrets of his life can never be unfolded. He used to serve the human beings who were neglected by society and looking for some compassion and empathy in their life.

There are multiple stories are related to Sai Baba. He lived in a mosque and after his death; he was cremated in a temple. Throughout his entire life, he believed only in a religion which was “Humanity” and mankind. Both Hindu and Muslims were his followers. Even today millions of people visit “Shirdi-Sai Baba Temple” irrespective of the religion they practice. People head to Shirdi with the hope that Lord Sai will help them to emerge out as a better human being and pave them the way and energy to face trouble and difficulties laced in life. It is believed that Sai Baba fulfils all the good wishes of the people and that’s the reason people head to Shirdi with their hearty wishes. Sai Nath believed in “Shradha” (reverence or faith) and “Saburi” means “Compassion”. His principle states that one must hold faith in his/her Karma and should be compassionate enough towards the human and humanity. He believed that faith and compassion are only two things that are supreme and should be followed by every human in order to maintain a peaceful world.

The hope and this trust attract millions of devotees to this village and that’s the reason Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has introduced “Shirdi-Darshan packages” under “Bharat Darshan special tourist trains packages” in the month of March. There are many religious places included in these packages. The journey to the Sai Baba shrine begins and the trains are going to be started from many boarding points across the country. There are many boarding points for the tour packages. Keep a track of your train and check the train running status regularly to board the train on time.

Shirdi Jyotirling Darshan Yatra
Shirdi Jyotirling Darshan Yatra is the first package offered by IRCTC for “Shirdi Trip” in the month of March. The trip is going to start on 04th March 2019 and will end on 11th March 2019. This seven days trip is going to start from multiple boarding points given below:
Trip Duration: 7 Days
Boarding / De-boarding Points– Chandigarh, Ambala, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Panipat, Delhi Cant, Rewari, Alwar, and Jaipur
Locations Covered in the Trip: – Omkareshwar, Ujjain, Statue of Unity, Traymabkeshwra, Shirdi and Grishneswar.
Package Price: Rs. 7,560/ person
The accommodation during day halt or evening halt will be provided in dormitories (mostly in Dharmshala). The breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided by IRCTC. The road transportation will be provided by bus at the permissible premises. The transportation mode would be train and accommodation will be provided in sleeper class compartments.

Shirdi Special Tour Package
Shirdi special package is another “Shirdi-Tour” offered under “Bharat-Darshan Special Tour Trains”. This tour is going to start on 13th March ‘19 and the tour is going to end on 18th March’19. This package offers a tour of the divine village “Shirdi” from the southern cities of India. Details are given below.
Trip Duration– 5 Days
Boarding points– Madurai, Dindigul, Trichy, Vridhachalam, Villupuram, Chennai- Egmore, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Krishnarajapuram, Mysuru, Hassan, Arsikere, Davangere and Hubli
De-Boarding Points – Bellary, Arsikere, Hassan, Mysore, Krishnarajapuram, Jolarpettai, Katpadi, Chennai Egmore, Villupuram, Vridhachalam, Trichy, Dindigul, and Madurai.
Package price– Rs.5,670 per person
Locations Covered in the Tour– Pandharpur, Shirdi and Mantralayam.
This five-day tour will be completed via train travel with accommodation in the sleeper class. The halts/night stay will be provided in Dharmashala, on sharing basis. The breakfast, lunch and dinner will be arranged by IRCTC for the passengers/pilgrims. One litre water bottle will be provided to all passengers every day.

Shirdi with Ashtavinayaka Tour Package
Shirdi with Ashtavinayaka Tour is the third and last tour package for the Shirdi in the month of March, offered by IRCTC Bharat Darshan tours. This tour is going to start on 26th March 2019 and end on 31-03-2019. This five days tour is going to cover different location. The details are given below.
Tour Duration– 5 Days Tour
Boarding points/ Stations -Madurai, Dindigul, Trichy, Vridhachalam, Villupuram, Chennai Egmore
De-Boarding point -Chennai Egmore, Villupuram, Vridhachalam, Trichy, Dindigul, Madurai.
Package Price: Rs.5,885 per person
Location covered Shirdi – Shree Moreshwar Ganesh – Shree Siddhivinayak Ganesh – Shree Chintamani Ganesh – Shree Maha Ganapati – Shree Vighneshwara – Girijatmaj Vinayaka – Shree Varadvinayak – Shree Ballaleshwar
The transportation mode will be train and accommodation will be provided in the sleeper class. All the halts/stay will be provided in dormitories and Dharamshala on a sharing basis. Three times meal will be provided to all the passengers with a one-litre water bottle.

One can book/ reserve their tickets from the official website of IRCTC tourism or visit the zonal offices of IRCTC to know more about the tour details.

So book your ticket and venture on a religious tour to the Shirdi with some other peaceful locations where you will feel the close proximity to Lord Sai. You can also check the food on the train if you follow any special type of dietary. You can order your food in train at different halts or station. The IRCTC touring is an affordable medium for tour purposes in India. Enjoy the Bharat Darshan experiencing the diversity of incredible India.

Some Beneficial Tips for the Travelers:

• Take care of your belongings. IRCTC will not be responsible for any loss.
• The arrival and departure timings of trains mentioned on the IRCTC portal is tentative data. It might change due to any reason.
• Follow the instruction given by the tour representative. It will lead to a pleasant journey.
• IRCTC will arrange all the medical facility for any medical emergency. The cost has to be borne by the traveller.
• No consumption of alcohol or smoking on the train.
• Entrance fee for any monument or any such places where a ticket is required, the expenses have to borne by the traveller.
• Follow the timings and the timetable as instructed by the tour operator. This will help you in a smooth journey.