Shirdi Sai Temple Again In Headlines, Why Shirdi City Will Remain Closed Indefinitely From May 1

The Eknath Shinde government of Maharashtra has decided to hand over the security of Shirdi's Sai temple, which is one of the major religious tourist destinations of the state, to the CISF. Protest against this move has also started. This protest is being done by the temple administration and the local people. They who have called for a bandh in Shirdi from May 1 to express their displeasure.

Devotees will face trouble due to CISF

This shutdown will be indefinite. That is, the city of Shirdi will remain closed for an indefinite period from May 1. The protesting temple administration says that if the security of the temple is handed over to the CISF, the devotees coming here will face problems. 

In such a situation, the temple administration and the local people have held a meeting and announced the closure of Shirdi city for an indefinite period from May 1. The Sai temple of Shirdi is the center of faith of crores of people of the country and the world.

Offering of the temple remains in discussion

The Shirdi temple is considered to be the most famous temple of Sai. Devotees also donate a lot in this temple of Sai. The donation coming to this temple often remains a topic of discussion. In such a situation, the announcement of the closure of Shirdi's Sai temple from May 1 is going to surprise the devotees.

CISF is guarding Shirdi Airport since 2018

In the year 2018 also, CISF took over the security of Shirdi Airport. Now the government has also handed over the responsibility of security of the temple to CISF. CISF has been deployed to beef up security at the metro station, airport and around the temple. But the temple administration and the local people are not happy with this decision.

Every year lakhs of devotees reach the temple for darshan. The city of Shirdi is said to be the home of Sai Baba. It is believed that Sai Baba came to Shirdi in the 19th century. He had spent more than 60 years here. People today visit this temple for its spirituality, beauty and peace.

SSST denies reports of shutdown

However, the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust (SSST) in a statement on its website had denied media reports and said that: "All the Aartis and all the religious traditions will continue on Monday 01st May 2023 and thereafter all the facilities from Sansthan such as Shri Sai Prasadalaya, all Bhakt Niwas locations and Hospitals etc would be functioning regularly as always. This information was provided by Mr.Rahul Jadhav, I/C Chief Executive Officer of the Sansthan."