Khandoba Temple

This temple is situated on the main road. In front of this temple Baba was welcomed by Poojar Mhalsapati, of this temple, saying "Aao Sai", when Baba stepped in Shirdi. It was Mhalsapati who was responsible for Baba's name, which has since become the sacred mantra of lakh's of devotees. Although Mhalsapati had an intuitive respect for Baba and was accustomed to serving visiting holy men, from all religions.

Khandoba was the deity of Mhalsapati family, and Mhalsapati was the temple's priest. Khandoba- originally a pastoral deity but now worshipped as a form of Shiva, is popular through out Maharastra.Then the temple was very simple, rural temple. Today it is a small, well maintained and neatly kept building. The idol of Khandoba is flanked by his two wives, on the right sits Baanai and left is Mhalsa. Mhalsa is worshipped as a form of Goddess Parvati and Baanai is venerated as a form of the goddess Ganga

Baba would sometimes stop at Khandoba Temple on his back from Rahata. Upasani Maharaj, an eminent devotee of Sri Sai Baba, spent about two years here, on instruction from Baba to stay in Shirdi for four years. Baba said Sri Upasani that he would win the grace of Khandoba on completion of the four years tenure. Later he sponsored the renovation of the temple.