The pilgrimage center of Shirdi is situated in the district of Ahmednagar in Maharashrta. This place has gained popularity as a pilgrim spot in India as it is associated with Saint Shri Sai Baba.

The birthplace of Shirdi Sai Baba is still obscure. The association of Saibaba to Shirdi dates back to the time when he was only a boy of 16 years. Though the date of his arrival to Shirdi is not known but it is said that initially Sai Baba resided here for only 3 years. Later he came back to Shirdi almost after a gap of 1 year.

It is said that Shri Sai Baba re-visited Shirdi accompanying a marriage procession. Then he started residing at a place near the Samadhi Mandir, known as Dwarkamai. From such an early age, he spent his life as an ascetic and meditated under a Neem tree. While his stay at Dwarkamai, Shri Sai Baba treated people of their ailments and helped out with their problems. While his stay in Shirdi, during the 19th century, the Shirdi Sai Baba Movement began. Mhalsapathy; a Khandoba priest is hailed as the first devotee of Shirdi Sai Baba.