About Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
The Shri Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir in Shirdi, Ahmednagar (Ahilyanagar) district, Maharashtra, is one of the most visited pilgrimage places in India. It houses the samadhi (resting place) of Sai Baba of Shirdi, the revered saint who taught faith (shraddha) and patience (saburi) and the unity of all religions. Devotees of every faith come to seek his blessings. The temple is managed by the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, which also runs large free meal halls, hospitals and pilgrim accommodation in Shirdi.
Sai Baba arrived in Shirdi as a young man in the mid-19th century and lived there for about six decades, mostly in an old mosque he named Dwarkamai. He was loved for his simplicity, kindness and teachings drawn from both Hindu and Muslim traditions. He attained samadhi on 15 October 1918, on Vijayadashami. His body was laid to rest in a stone building (the Buti Wada) built by the devotee Gopalrao Buti, which became the Samadhi Mandir.
The Samadhi Mandir is built of stone, with a large hall for darshan queues. The marble samadhi lies in front of a life-size white marble idol of Sai Baba, seated and installed in 1954. Around the complex you will see Dwarkamai with its ever-burning sacred fire (dhuni), the Chavadi where Baba slept on alternate nights, and Gurusthan under a neem tree.
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple timings & aarti
The Samadhi Mandir is usually open from around 4:00 AM (Kakad Aarti) until around 10:30–11:00 PM (after Shej Aarti). Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Kakad Aarti | Around 4:30 AM |
| Madhyan Aarti | Around 12:00 noon |
| Dhoop Aarti | At sunset |
| Shej Aarti | Around 10:00 PM |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
By air
Shirdi Airport is about 14 km away; Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) Airport is about 120 km away.
By train
Sainagar Shirdi railway station is about 3 km away; Kopargaon station is about 15 km away.
By road
Shirdi is well connected by buses from Mumbai, Pune, Nashik and Aurangabad.
Festivals at Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
- Ram NavamiMar/Apr
- Guru PurnimaJul
- Vijayadashami (Sai Baba Punyatithi)Sep/Oct
- Thursday Palkhi ProcessionEvery Thursday evening
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing recommended.
- Entry
- Open to people of all faiths with free general darshan. Paid darshan and aarti passes are offered by the Sansthan; book only through official channels. Mobile phones are generally not allowed inside the temple.
- Leave mobile phones and bags at your hotel or at the official lockers.
- Book darshan or aarti passes only through official Sansthan counters or website, and avoid touts.
- Visit Dwarkamai, Chavadi and Gurusthan, all within walking distance.
- Eat at the Sansthan's prasadalaya, which serves meals at a nominal cost.
Places to visit near Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
- DwarkamaiMosque where Sai Baba lived, a short walk from the Samadhi Mandir
- ChavadiWhere Baba slept on alternate nights, a short walk away
- Lendi BaugGarden tended by Sai Baba, a short walk away
- Khandoba TempleWhere Sai Baba was first greeted as Sai, about 1 km away
- Shani ShingnapurFamous Shani temple, about 70 km away
Frequently asked questions
What are the Shirdi Sai Baba temple timings?
The temple usually opens around 4:00 AM for Kakad Aarti and closes after Shej Aarti, around 10:30–11:00 PM.
How many aartis are held at Shirdi daily?
Four: Kakad Aarti (early morning), Madhyan Aarti (noon), Dhoop Aarti (sunset) and Shej Aarti (night).
Is darshan free at Shirdi?
Yes, general darshan is free. Paid options are available through the Sansthan for those who want shorter waits.
Which is the nearest railway station to Shirdi?
Sainagar Shirdi station, about 3 km from the temple.
When did Sai Baba take samadhi?
Sai Baba attained samadhi on 15 October 1918, on Vijayadashami.
Is there a dress code at Shirdi Sai Baba Temple?
Modest traditional clothing recommended.
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