Discover the various activities and rituals to engage in at the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of Austin, which was inaugurated on March 21, 2010.
Temple Etiquette
Non-Hindu visitors are welcome during open hours. Please dress modestly, avoiding shorts, t-shirts, or revealing attire. Show respect within the Temple premises and direct any religious inquiries to the priests or the office.
Ganapati Darshan
Commence your visit by seeking the blessings of Ganapati, housed in a small building in front of the Sai Baba Temple.
Footwash Facility
A footwash, located across the patio from the northeast entrance, provides a cleansing ritual for devotees before entering the Temple.
Sai Baba Temple Rituals
Sit in quiet contemplation in front of the Sai Baba idol. Aarati (group worship) occurs daily at 7:30 am, 12:00 pm, 6:30 pm, and 8:00 pm. Thursday nights have a slightly later aarti. The Temple also houses the Dattatreya idol, and devotees can participate in Archana when aarti is not in progress.
Temple Offerings and Resources
Copies of the Sai Satcharitra, detailing Sri Shirdi Sai Baba’s life, are available in the Temple office. Thursday nights are bustling with devotees performing milk abhishekam, chanting Rudram, and engaging in bhajans.
Sacred Spaces
The Dhuni and Deepa Sala, outside the south door, feature a continuous flame in memory of Baba’s burning dhuni in Shirdi. The Homa Kunda, where Vedic yagnas are performed, allows devotees to offer prayers to Ganapati.
Meditation and Reflection
The Meditation Hall, located behind the Main Sai Baba Temple, offers a serene space for silent reflection. Classes and readings of Sai Satcharitra take place here. A playground area nearby caters to younger children.
Community Service and Kitchen
The Kitchen, across from the north door, prepares Prasad for distribution. Devotees are urged to refrain from taking Prasad home, ensuring it remains available for Temple visitors. The Kitchen also supports community service initiatives like Sandwich Seva and food donations to school children.
Cultural Hall and Shanti Pond
Adjacent to the Kitchen, the Cultural Hall hosts various events. The Shanti Pond in the northeast corner, with its koi fish and Ganga fountain, provides a peaceful setting for reflection.
Major Festivals
Celebrate major festivals like Guru Poornimah and Baba’s Mahasamadhi Day. Food Melas are held in the courtyard during Spring and Fall. January 1 sees a high turnout as devotees seek blessings for the new year through Archana.