Spiritual fervour grips devotees as Baba’s sacred padukas reach Sai Mandir

Nagpur: A wave of devotion swept across Wardha Road on Saturday as the original ‘Charma Charan Padukas' of Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi arrived in the city, filling the air with chants of ‘Jai Sai Ram' and vibrant spiritual energy. The sacred padukas, worn by Baba himself, were welcomed with a grand rally (Dindi) from the city Airport to Shri Sai Mandir, Wardha Road, with hundreds of devotees participating in the procession with folded hands, tears of devotion, and heartfelt bhajans.At the temple, the ceremonial padya pujan and noon aarti were performed with deep reverence, after which the padukas were placed for public darshan. Since afternoon, long queues of devotees were seen at the temple, all waiting patiently for a glimpse and blessings of the sacred padukas. In the evening, the temple premises reverberated with bhajans and devotional songs, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Shirdi. Religious programmes, including soulful performances by renowned bhajan groups, kept the spiritual energy high.Temple Secretary Avinash Shegaonkar said, "The entire atmosphere is filled with pure devotional fervour. We are overwhelmed by the love and faith of Sai devotees. Everyone is welcome to continue receiving Baba's blessings tomorrow as well." The padukas will be available for darshan from 5.30am on Sunday until the temple closes. Mahaprasad shall be distributed while cultural programmes will continue, adding to the divinity of this rare and historic event. Temple authorities have made meticulous arrangements to ensure that darshan takes place in an orderly and spiritually enriching manner.Why these Padukas are rare* These are original Charma Charan Padukas worn by Shri Sai Baba himself* Earlier, they came to the city in 1976, 1979, and again in 2018* This is only the fourth time in history that they have been brought to Nagpur* On Sunday, darshan will begin at 5.30am and continue until the temple closes at night* Bhajans, cultural programmes, and Mahaprasad distribution will be held on Sunday for all