Is it really necessary to go on pilgrimages to places like the Ganga, or is being in Shirdi with faith just as good?

According to the accounts in Chapter 4, being at Sai Baba's feet with faith was considered a pilgrimage in itself, superseding the need to travel to distant holy sites. The story of Das Ganu illustrates this perfectly. When Das Ganu wished to travel to Prayag for a holy bath, Baba told him, "No need to go so far. This itself is our Prayag; keep firm faith in your mind." To prove his point, a miracle occurred: as Das Ganu bowed to Baba's feet, water representing the sacred rivers Ganga and Yamuna began to flow from Baba's toes. This powerful leela demonstrated that the sanctity of all holy places resided with Baba, and true pilgrimage was the act of surrendering to a Saint.