Shiridi of Odisha: Saidham of Tankapaniroad

Shiridi Saibaba was an incarnation of Dattatraya. He descended to the earth to led the mankind on the path of salvation. Like most of the spiritual masters he left no records of his birth and family background. As a divine mother he gave his immense love and as a divine father he gave the direction to search for God. His command is for everlasting life and he is ever ready to provide helps to his devotees at any situation. Even he had left his earthy body still he is ever active and vigorous. His sacred mission is to awaken the divine nature inside their devotees.

The capital of modern Odisha Bhubaneswar has great historical significance as it was the witness of some major turning points of history. It is among with the rare places where tradition matches steps with culture. It also inherits a rich cultural and traditional heritage. Bhubaneswar is known as the "Temple city of India" or Cathedral city as thousands number of temples of several deities are here in every nook and corner. With the blessing of Saibaba, the inspiration of Guruji Chandrabhanu Sathpathy and by the active role of Suresh Chandra Panda a temple of Baba was constructed in Tankapaniroad. On the day of Magha Poornima, 15th of February, 1995 the Bhoomi Puja of the temple was performed in presence of several devotees. It was registered as a branch of Shri Shiridi Saibaba Spiritual and Charitable Trust, Chennai.

The inauguration ceremony of the temple was formally performed by Guruji Chandrabhanu Sathpathy on 22nd April, 1997. On the same day Prana Pratistha ceremony was also performed in presence of thousand of devotees from various corner of the state. Guruji had named the temple as Sai Dham. As per our tradition abahana of Bighnanasaka Lord Ganesha was done followed by Sarba Sudhi and Rudra yagayna of Mahadeva. All the rituals and tradition for Prana Pratistha was conducted by Guruji. With chanting of "SaiRam SaiRam" by thousands of Sai devotees Saidham was resonating. This was followed by inauguration of the Nabagraha temple. Sai bhajans and Prabachans by beloved Gurueingji were an attraction on this occasion.

Since the date of inauguration of the temple, the number of Sai devotees increased in thousands. It is considered as one of the most sacred places for the Odiya Sai devotees. The number of devotees coming to the temple is increasing day by day.

On 20th July, 1997 the Dwarikamai temple was constructed and the sacred Dhuni from Shiridi was established by Guruji on the occasion of Guru Poornima. Thereafter on the eve of Mahasamadhi of Saibaba, Bijayadashami Gurusthan was inaugurated in the temple premises. Gurusthan is the place belonging to the master of Saibaba.

Subsequently a well designed Kalyan Mandap in the temple premises was inaugurated by Guruji on 25th October, 2007 for the conductance of various spiritual, religious, cultural and social activities. With the inspiration of revered Guruji the ground floor hall "Sai Asha" of the temple was dedicated by the trust as Meditation Hall on 23th December, 2007. Its main purpose was to spread the divine name and philosophy of Saibaba. The devotees use to read Sai Satcharita and other spiritual and religious books here.
Guru Poornima, Bijaya Dashami and Shri Ram Navami festivals are celebrated by the temple trust in presence of thousands Sai devotees. Besides these on 22nd April the Prana Prathistha day is celebrated in which a sea of humanity actively take part to seek blessings from Saibaba. They bring Baba to the Chavadi Temple in a procession which is called as Chavadi Yatra and it is like Car festival of Lord Jagannath. On 10th December, 1910 the tradition of Chavadi Yatra started when Baba was alive.

The devotees should come here to seek the blessing from Shri Saibaba and mental peace.