Shirdi Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir

The temple follows a disciplined schedule of worship centered on four daily aartis—ceremonial offerings of light and devotion. The Kakad Aarti begins at 05:15, before dawn, marking the start of the day's spiritual observances. The Madhyan Aarti takes place at noon, followed by the Dhoop Aarti at sunset, which varies seasonally. The day concludes with the Shej Aarti at 22:00, a nighttime ritual that completes the cycle of daily worship.

Darshan—the opportunity to view and receive blessings from the shrine—begins at 06:25 each morning. The temple remains open from 04:45 until 22:00, allowing devotees flexibility in timing their visits. To manage the flow of visitors and ensure a comfortable experience, the trust requests that devotees book darshan passes online through the official portal at sai.org.in. Both free and paid passes are available for booking up to five days in advance. Online booking for aarti participation is also mandatory. Devotees should bring their booking acknowledgement and identification proof to the verification counter.

Visiting the Temple: Practical Information

The temple is located at coordinates 19.7664958, 74.4764817 in Shirdi, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, and is managed by the Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust. The official website at sai.org.in provides current information on timings, bookings, and guidelines. The trust's helpline is available at +91 2423 258500 for inquiries.

Visitors should be aware that the trust does not authorize any external agents for online bookings of darshan, aarti, or accommodation. Fraudulent websites claiming to offer booking services have been reported; the only official booking portal is sai.org.in. Physical distancing and face masks remain part of the temple's protocols. Specific health guidelines may apply; devotees should check the official website for current requirements before visiting.

The trust operates accommodation facilities for pilgrims, including the Bhakta Niwas and related lodgings. These can be booked through official channels. The Sansthan also manages a hospital and medical aid services, reflecting the broader charitable mission associated with the temple.

The Trust's Wider Mission

Beyond the daily worship at the samadhi, the Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust operates educational institutions, including junior and senior colleges bearing Sai Baba's name. The trust also runs the Sainath Blood Bank and the Shri Sai Baba Hospital, extending the principles of service and care into the community. A prasadalaya (dining facility) provides meals to devotees and visitors.

The trust maintains an extensive archive of materials related to Sai Baba, including the Shree Sai Satcharita (the primary biographical text) available in multiple languages, audio recordings of aartis, and the Saileela magazine. These resources support both devotional practice and scholarly study.

Planning Your Visit

Visitors should arrive with realistic expectations about crowds, particularly during major festivals and weekends. Booking darshan passes in advance is essential for a smooth experience. Bring your acknowledgement and ID proof to the verification counter. The temple's opening at 04:45 allows early risers to attend the Kakad Aarti and experience the shrine in quieter morning hours.

The official website and mobile app provide updates on daily schedules, special observances, and any temporary changes to timings or procedures. Checking these resources before your visit ensures you have current information. The trust welcomes feedback from devotees and maintains channels for communication through their website.