Complete Guide to Shirdi Sai Baba Temple: Timings, Aarti, and Darshan Tips

Aug 26, 2025

Shirdi, located in Maharashtra, is a small town of great significance for the people of India. It was home to a saint named Sai Baba, who lived and died there. The village in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra became popular after the saint or the guru took Samadhi in 1918. According to Sai Baba, every religion has the same teachings of following the path of spirituality and maintaining peace and harmony. Thus, he used to visit temples and mosques. Also, the guru or the saint is respected by both Hindus and Muslims. Shirdi became a religious and spiritual destination because of the teachings of Sai Baba and his magical deeds.

Darshan/Arti Timings at Sai Baba Shirdi Temple

The Shirdi Sai Baba Temple doors generally open in the early morning, around 5:30 AM, and close at night, around 10:30 PM. The darshan for devotees is open throughout this time. However, the aartis take place at different times of the day.

Kakad Aarti(Morning)- 4:30-5:00 AM
Madhyan Aarti(Mid-Day Aarti)- 12:00 noon
Dhup Aarti(Evening)- 6:00- 6:30 PM
Shej Aarti(Night)- 10:00-10:30 PM

These are general timings of the aarti and are subject to change depending on the season and occasions, or during the festivals.

See also: Top 10 Famous Temples in Delhi

How to Reach Shirdi

Shirdi is well-connected by frequent flights and trains. The city will also welcome you if you wish to travel by road. Here is how you can reach Shirdi for the divine darshan through various modes of transportation.

By Air: The nearest airport is Shirdi Airport(SAG), 14 km away. Depending on traffic, it takes 20 minutes to reach the Sai Baba Temple. Pre-paid taxis are available at the airport.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Sainagar Shirdi(SNSI). The station is about 3-4 km from the temple. It might take around 10-11 minutes from the station to reach the temple. You can get to the temple by booking a pre-paid taxi or an auto, both shared and hired.

By Road: Shirdi is near Mumbai, Pune, Aurangabad, Nashik, and other popular cities, making it easy for devotees to travel to Shirdi by bus. Overnight buses are a popular choice. The nearest bus stop is Shirdi ST Bus Stand, which is approximately 2 km by road from the temple. It might take approximately 5 minutes to reach the temple from the bus stand.

Best Season to Gather Blessings in Shirdi

Every time is the best time to seek blessings from Sai Baba, and it depends on whether you want to visit peacefully or during auspicious dates according to the calendar. However, to avoid the crowd, refer to the detailed information below.

Winter( October to March): This is the best time to visit the temple to seek the deity's blessing. Because of the cold wind, it is also considered the best time for sightseeing. It is also the peak season of the temple.
Summer( April to June): This is generally not recommended as the best time to visit because of the humid and hot weather. Because of the high temperatures, there are usually fewer. So, if you want to travel in small queues and on a budget, this time could suit you.
Monsoon( June to September): The temperature in the monsoon season is fresh and earthy, with calm winds. This is the best time to visit Shirdi because of the rainy weather, when you can witness a downpour while in Shirdi.

Things to Do in Shirdi

After visiting the temple and seeking blessings, you can visit other places related to Sai Baba and his life. You can see them after you have done darshans of the deity. Some of these places are:

Dwarkamai is the mosque where the saint Sai Baba lived after coming to Shirdi until his Samadhi(death). Some articles that Baba himself used can also be found there. These include a grinding stone, a fireplace, and a stone on which he used to sit. It is situated just adjacent to the temple complex.
Khandoba Raya Temple: This temple is on the highway and approximately 7 km from the city. It is in this temple that Sai Baba was welcomed by Mahalsapati for the first time.
Dixit Wada Museum: This museum showcases Sai Baba's other belongings, including utensils, gramophone records, and leather padukas(footwear). It is located inside the Sai Baba Sansthan and is open from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Shani Shingnapur: This village is 74 km from the Shirdi temple and is dedicated to the Hindu god Shani Dev, who is associated with the planet Saturn. An interesting fact about this village is that no houses have doors or locks.
Sai Heritage Village: This artificial village replicates Sai Baba's life and allows devotees to experience his tough life. It is located 4 km from the main temple and is a sight to see and a new experience.

Conclusion:

Therefore, Sai Baba's two main teachings were Shraddha (Faith) and Saburi( Patience). His legacy is carried to this day by his devotees from all over the world. His shrine in Shirdi is the best place where his devotees seek peace and guidance in all walks of life. Shirdi is the place where you can see people from different faiths reuniting and in his service. You feel the positive energy and calmness in the temple premises, and a feeling of devotion when you get to see his eyes. So, delve into the journey of spirituality by visiting the temple, which is the heart of Maharashtra.