Shirdi Sai Baba Temple: Aarti Timings, Darshan Booking and How to Reach

Facts checked November 2026.

Shirdi is where Sai Baba lived, and where he took samadhi on Dussehra in 1918. Families come every day for darshan at the Samadhi Mandir and to see the places linked to his life: Dwarkamai and Gurusthan. This guide covers the aarti timings, booking, rooms, how to reach and how to plan a calm visit with elders.

This page is part of our Ashtavinayak Yatra guide. Planning the yatra? See our Jyotirlinga and temple yatra packages.

Where is Shirdi Sai Baba temple and why is it important?

The Samadhi Mandir stands in the centre of Shirdi town in Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar) district of Maharashtra. It holds the samadhi of Sai Baba, who entered samadhi on Dussehra in 1918. According to the district administration, Baba was first seen in Shirdi as a young ascetic seated under a neem tree; that spot is now called Gurusthan.

The temple and its services are run by the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi. The Trust has warned that fake websites and unofficial map listings are taking money from devotees. Its only official websites for darshan, rooms and donations are sai.org.in and online.sai.org.in.

What are the Shirdi aarti and darshan timings?

This is the daily programme as published by the Sansthan. Timings can change on festival days, so check the notice board or helpline before you go.

The Sansthan does not publish a separate closing time on this page. Shej Aarti at 10:00 pm is the last listed event of the day.

How do I book Shirdi darshan, aarti passes and rooms online?

1. Open online.sai.org.in (the Sansthan portal). Do not use any other website or a phone number found on a map listing.
2. Check darshan or aarti availability for your date and choose the number of devotees.
3. Enter the correct name and details of every member, and keep their photo ID cards ready.
4. Pay on the portal and keep the confirmation on your phone, with the same ID cards you entered.
5. For general darshan you do not need any booking. Join the queue at the temple.

The Sansthan lists these numbers for online services: 02423-258965 and 02423-258966. Paid pass rates are set by the Trust and can change, so we do not print them here; see the portal for the current rate.

Where can we stay in Shirdi?

The Sansthan runs large pilgrim accommodation, bookable online or at the counter:

• Every member must show photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN or driving licence). Online bookers must also carry a photocopy of Aadhaar.
• Rooms are not given to single men or women; the Sansthan offers hall facilities instead. Couples get a room only after showing proof of marriage, and newly married couples need a marriage registration certificate.
• Rooms are allotted for 24 to 48 hours. Counter rooms go first come, first served.

There are also many private hotels in Shirdi town. Book only with a confirmed voucher, and never pay anyone who claims to sell “Sansthan rooms” outside the official portal.

How to reach Shirdi by train, air and road?

Train and flight timings change often. Check IRCTC or the airline before you book, not old timetables.

What should we wear and what are the rules?

The Sansthan pages we checked do not publish a written dress code. Dress modestly, as for any temple: men in trousers or dhoti and shirt, women in saree, salwar suit or other full-length clothes. Keep footwear at the stands, carry little, and follow the security staff at the gates. Keep your photo ID with you if you hold a paid pass or a Sansthan room.

What is the best time to visit Shirdi?

• Weather: October to March is usually the most comfortable season for elders. April and May are usually very hot.
• Crowds: Thursdays, weekends, school holidays and festival days are the busiest. A weekday morning after Kakad Aarti is usually easier.
• Festivals: The Sansthan celebrates Ramnavami, Guru Purnima and Vijayadashami (Baba’s Punyatithi falls at Dussehra). Expect very large crowds and changed timings on these days.

Which places should we see in and around Shirdi?

• Dwarkamai: where the Dhuni Pooja with rice and ghee is done every day at 11:30 am.
• Gurusthan: the neem tree spot where Baba was first seen.
• Shani Shingnapur: the open-air Shani temple, usually added on the same yatra; see our Shani Shingnapur temple guide.
• Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga near Nashik: see our Trimbakeshwar guide.
• Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga near Ellora: see our Grishneshwar guide.

Is Shirdi easy for senior citizens?

Yes, Shirdi is on flat ground and there is no trek. The main effort is standing in the queue. Choose a weekday, go after the morning rush, and carry water and any medicines. If you stay at the New Bhakta Niwas, use the free round-the-clock shuttle to the temple instead of walking. For wheelchair help or a medical need, call the Sansthan (02423-258500) or its help line (+91 7588375204) before your visit.

Can we join a Shirdi yatra with Trimbakeshwar and Grishneshwar?

Our Shirdi Sai, Trimbakeshwar and Aurangabad Darshan is a 6 days / 5 nights yatra from Nashik that covers Trimbakeshwar, Panchavati, Shirdi, Shani Shingnapur, Grishneshwar and Ellora, and ends at Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar). For all twelve Jyotirlingas, see the 12 Jyotirlinga list.

Call or WhatsApp +91 78178 98687, or write to shiva@yatratotemples.in.

Frequently asked questions

What time does Shirdi temple open?

As per the Sansthan daily programme, the temple opens at 4:45 am. Kakad Aarti follows at 5:15 am and darshan in the Samadhi Mandir starts at 6:25 am.

What are the four aartis at Shirdi?

Kakad Aarti at 5:15 am, Madhyan Aarti at 12:00 noon, Dhoop Aarti at sunset and Shej Aarti at 10:00 pm. Festival days can have changed timings.

Is online booking needed for Shirdi darshan?

No, general darshan is free and open to all in the queue. Paid darshan and aarti passes are optional and should be booked only on online.sai.org.in.

Which is the nearest railway station to Shirdi?

Sainagar Shirdi (SNSI) serves the town. Kopargaon (22 km) and Manmad Junction (60 km) are other options with more trains.

Can a single person get a Sansthan room?

No. The Sansthan states that rooms are not given to single persons. Single devotees can use the hall facilities at Saibaba Bhakta Niwas and Sai Dharmashala. Couples must show proof of marriage.

How do we avoid fake Shirdi booking websites?

The Trust says its only official sites are sai.org.in and online.sai.org.in. Do not pay through any other website, social media page or map listing.

How many days are enough for Shirdi?

One full day is enough for darshan and the main places in town. Add a second day for Shani Shingnapur, or plan a longer yatra with Trimbakeshwar and Grishneshwar.