Dakshina Shirdi Saibaba Temple – Kurnool

 

Location

  • City: Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
  • Setting: Nestled on the sacred banks of the River Tungabhadra, near Konda Reddy Fort and District Court Road
  • Significance: Recognized as the first Sai Baba temple in the world to be named “Dakshina Shirdi”

History & Architecture

  • Foundation: Laid in 1947 by devotee K. Veera Swamy Naidu, who sold all his assets to build the temple after receiving divine guidance in a dream
  • Inauguration: Sai Baba’s idol was installed on Vijayadashami, November 10, 1951
  • Design: Built in a star-shaped structure with a central Shikhara; the temple is open from all sides, symbolizing inclusivity and openness
  • Unique Features:
    • White marble idol of Sai Baba (4 feet tall)
    • Srichakram near the sanctum
    • Akhanda Jyothi (Nanda Deep)
    • Dhuni (sacred fire)
    • Ashwatha tree intertwined with a neem tree – a rare and spiritually potent sight
    • Meditation Hall: Accommodates up to 800 devotees

Deities & Sacred Icons

  • Main Deity: Shirdi Sai Baba
  • Other Shrines:
    • Lord Dattatreya
    • Nine Avadhuta Statues
    • Srichakram
    • Dhuni and Ashwatha-Neem Tree

Rituals & Festivals

  • Daily Aartis: All four traditional aartis are performed
  • Major Celebrations:
    • Guru Poornima: Thousands of devotees gather for blessings
    • Datta Jayanthi: Celebrated with grandeur
    • Sri Rama Navami, Dasara Navaratri, and Thursday Annadhanam (feeding ~1000 devotees)

Temple Timings

  • Open Daily: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Nearby Temples

  • Panchamukha Anjaneya Swamy Temple – Located just 5 km away in Kurnool.

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