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.