Saibaba Sansthan Trust member Bhausaheb Wakchaure confirmed Shirdi will be closed indefinitely | Photo Credit: ANI

Mumbai: In the wake of Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray's decision to develop Pathri in Parbhani district as Sai Baba's birthplace, Saibaba Sansthan Trust on Friday announced its decision to close Shirdi indefinitely from January 19. The Trust has also confirmed that a meeting of local villagers will be held tomorrow evening to discuss the next course of action.

While speaking to media, Saibaba Sansthan Trust member Bhausaheb Wakchaure confirmed the decision to close Shirdi indefinitely from Sunday onwards. He explained that the decision has been taken after Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray called Pathri as Sai Baba's birthplace.

He also said, "A meeting of villagers will be convened tomorrow evening to discuss the issue. Devotees will not face any difficulty if they come to Shirdi."

Last week, Uddhav Thackeray had taken a review meeting of the development plans in Parbhani district and also announced that Pathri will be developed as the birthplace of Sai Baba for religious tourism.

It should be noted that Saibaba temple in Shirdi is one of the most popular religious destinations in the country with hundreds of thousands of devotees visiting the holy site every year. The local residents of Shirdi have reportedly expressed concerns over the development of Pathri as Sai Baba's birthplace. They say that Shirdi will lose its importance if Pathri is developed.