Shirdi Daily Programme, Aartis and Darshan Booking
ॐ साईं राम
Four aartis, complete darshan timings, online booking guide and the Punyatithi festival
This is Page 2 of the Shirdi Sai Baba complete guide. It covers the official daily programme from the Sansthan website, all four aarti timings and what each aarti means, how to book darshan and aarti passes online, the different types of darshan, and the Punyatithi festival in October. For the story of Baba, the five sacred sites and his teachings, read Page 1. For travel and hotels, see Page 3.
Complete Daily Programme at Shirdi
श्री साईबाबा संस्थान - दैनंदिन कार्यक्रम
Official schedule from sai.org.in - the same programme followed every day, 365 days a year
| Time | Programme | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4:45 AM | Temple Opens | Gates open. Early arrivals can take a calm position before the crowd. |
| 5:00 AM | Bhupali | Soft morning songs (Bhupali) sung before the Kakad Aarti. |
| 5:15 AM | Kakad Aarti (Morning Aarti) | The aarti that wakes Baba. Most sought-after aarti. Pass Rs.600. Book early at online.sai.org.in. |
| 5:50 AM | Mangal Snaan in Samadhi Mandir | Holy bath (snaan) of Baba's idol and samadhi, done by the priests. |
| 6:20 AM | Aarti "Shirdi Majhe Pandharpur" | A special aarti comparing Shirdi to Pandharpur (Vitthal's holy city). Sung in Marathi. Deeply moving for Maharashtra devotees. |
| 6:25 AM | Darshan begins in Samadhi Mandir | FREE darshan for all. Queue begins. Quieter in the first 1-2 hours, builds through the morning. |
| 11:30 AM | Dhuni Pooja in Dwarkamai | Daily pooja of Baba's sacred fire (Dhuni) with rice and ghee at Dwarkamai. The Udi (prasad ash) comes from this fire. |
| 12:00 PM | Madhyan Aarti (Midday Aarti) | Noon aarti. Pass Rs.400. Darshan pauses during the aarti. |
| 4:00 PM | Pothi in Samadhi Mandir | Daily reading (pothi) from holy books in the Samadhi Mandir. |
| Sunset | Dhoop Aarti (Evening Aarti) | Evening aarti at sunset. Time changes with the season. Pass Rs.400. |
| 8:30-10:00 PM | Devotional songs and cultural programmes | Bhajans and cultural programmes in the Samadhi Mandir. |
| 10:00 PM | Shej Aarti (Night Aarti) | Night aarti, when Baba is put to rest for the day. Pass Rs.400. |
| After Shej Aarti | Temple closes for the night | Samadhi Mandir opens again at 4:45 AM next day. On big festival nights (like Punyatithi) the temple stays open all night. |
Source: This daily programme is published on the official Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust website at sai.org.in/en/daily-programme. The programme is followed every single day of the year. On major festival days (Ram Navami, Guru Purnima, Dussehra/Punyatithi), additional programmes are added but these core timings hold.
The Four Aartis - What Each One Means
चार आरतियां - उनका अर्थ
Each aarti marks a different moment in Baba's day - together they form a complete cycle of devotion
"Kakad" means early morning - the hour before dawn when the world is still quiet. This is the aarti that wakes Sai Baba. The priests begin with the Bhupali at 5:00 AM (gentle devotional singing to rouse Baba softly) and at 5:15 AM the full Kakad Aarti begins. Lamps are lit, bells ring, conches blow and the entire Samadhi Mandir fills with sound and light. The sense of witnessing Baba being woken - of being present at that most private, most intimate moment of his day - is why the Kakad Aarti pass at Rs.600 sells out first and fastest. If you can attend only one aarti at Shirdi, many devotees say make it the Kakad Aarti. Book as early as possible at online.sai.org.in.
The Madhyan Aarti at noon marks the time when Baba would traditionally eat his midday meal. During Baba's life, he would beg food from five houses, mix everything together in his pot and distribute it - the noon meal was a deeply sacred sharing. The Madhyan Aarti honours this. The temple is usually busy at noon. Book the pass in advance if you plan to attend.
"Dhoop" means incense - the Dhoop Aarti is named for the fragrant incense offered in abundance during this aarti. It follows the sun - the exact time shifts every day with the sunset. Evenings are very busy at Shirdi, especially on Thursdays and weekends. The combination of sunset light, incense fragrance and the aarti music creates an atmosphere that many devotees describe as Shirdi's most beautiful moment. If you are in Shirdi for a full day, plan around the Dhoop Aarti as the evening highlight.
"Shej" means the bed or sleeping place. The Shej Aarti puts Sai Baba to sleep at the end of the day. The songs at the Shej Aarti are soft and full of love, like putting a loved one to bed. Many who attend the Shej Aarti stay overnight in Shirdi so they can be there for the Kakad Aarti the next morning as well. This is the recommended plan for anyone who wants the full Shirdi experience.
Darshan Booking - Complete Guide
दर्शन बुकिंग - सम्पूर्ण जानकारी
Free darshan for all - and paid options that cut the queue significantly
Only one official portal: online.sai.org.in
The Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust has specifically warned devotees about fake websites posing as the official Shirdi booking portal. Book darshan, aarti and accommodation ONLY at online.sai.org.in or at the official counters at Shirdi. The Sansthan's official phone number is 02423-258500. Do not pay anyone claiming to be an authorised agent.
| Darshan Type | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free General Darshan | Free | Open to all without any ticket. Begins 6:25 AM. Queue time depends on the crowd - short on quiet weekdays, many hours on Thursdays, weekends and festivals. No booking needed - just join the queue. |
| Paid Darshan Pass | Rs.200 per person | Shorter queue with a fixed time slot. Book online at online.sai.org.in or at Sansthan counters. Carry photo ID. Check the current price on the portal before booking. |
| Senior citizens and divyang | Separate facility | The Sansthan has a separate, easier entry for senior citizens and persons with disability. Ask at the Sansthan enquiry counter or helpline (02423-258500) for current rules. |
| Aarti Passes | Rs.400-600 | Separate from darshan passes. Kakad Aarti: Rs.600. Other three aartis: Rs.400 each. Book specifically as aarti - do not confuse with darshan booking. |
How to Book Online at online.sai.org.in - Step by Step
- Go to online.sai.org.in - the ONLY official booking portal of the Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust. Avoid all other websites.
- Register with your mobile number and email ID. Create a login. You need this account for all future bookings at Shirdi.
- Select what you want to book: Darshan (paid pass) or Aarti (select the specific aarti - Kakad, Madhyan, Dhoop or Shej). These are booked separately.
- Select your preferred date and fill in details for all pilgrims in your group: name, age, ID proof type and number. Carry the same ID for the visit.
- Pay the fee online.
- Download your pass (PDF). Carry a printout or screenshot on your phone. Show it at the designated gate on arrival.
How early to book: Aarti passes have limited seats and fill up fast, especially the Kakad Aarti. For Thursdays, weekends, Punyatithi (19-21 October 2026), Ram Navami and Guru Purnima, book as soon as slots open. For a normal weekday, a few days ahead is usually enough for a paid darshan pass. Monday to Wednesday are usually the easiest days.
Punyatithi - Sai Baba's Annual Festival (October)
पुण्यतिथि महोत्सव 2026 - 19-21 अक्टूबर 2026
The festival of Baba's Mahasamadhi - the biggest annual event at Shirdi
Sai Baba left his body on Vijayadashami (Dussehra), 15 October 1918. This day - his Punyatithi - is observed every year as the biggest festival at Shirdi. The Sansthan decorates the entire temple complex with flowers and lighting. Special programmes run for three days. Lakhs of devotees converge on Shirdi. The entire town fills with "Jai Sai Ram" chants.
| Punyatithi 2026 | 19-21 October 2026 (three-day festival, as per the Sansthan). The main day, Vijayadashami (Dussehra), is 20 October 2026. |
| What happens | Special pujas, palkhi (palanquin) procession, reading of the Sai Satcharita, bhajans and flower decoration. The temple stays open through the main night. |
| Crowd level | Very high - among the busiest days of the year. Expect very long darshan queues. Aarti passes sell out early. |
| Planning advice | If you plan to go for Punyatithi 2026, book your train and room now. Check aarti and darshan passes at online.sai.org.in. Reach the queue very early in the morning to save time. |
| Other major festivals | Ram Navami (15 April 2027) and Guru Purnima (July). Both draw very large crowds. |
Live Darshan and Aarti Online
घर बैठे दर्शन - ॐ साईं राम
For devotees who cannot travel - Baba is everywhere
The Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust shows live darshan from the Samadhi Mandir on its official website. The Sansthan warns that, except Tata Sky, other channels claiming to show live Shirdi darshan are not authorised. For the genuine experience, use the official links below.
Official YouTube channel (linked from sai.org.in): youtube.com/user/saibabasansthantrust. For live darshan, visit sai.org.in and click "Live Darshan".
Prasad, Donation and Free Community Kitchen
प्रसाद, दान और प्रसादालय
The living continuation of Baba's own tradition of feeding all who came
| Udi (sacred ash) | Given free to devotees as prasad. The Udi comes from the Dhuni (sacred fire) at Dwarkamai, kept burning since Baba's time. Baba gave Udi to the sick and devotees believe it heals. |
| Laddoo Prasad | Laddoo prasad packets are sold at low cost at Sansthan counters near the temple. |
| Shri Sai Prasadalaya | The Sansthan runs a very large dining hall (Prasadalaya) that serves simple vegetarian meals to thousands of pilgrims every day. Meals are free. Since 2025 you need a free token (coupon) from the Sansthan counter to enter. This carries on Baba's own habit of feeding everyone who came to him. |
| Donation | Donations can be made online at online.sai.org.in or at the official counters. The Sansthan uses donations for the temple, meals, hospitals, schools and other charity work. Always take an official receipt. |
Frequently Asked Questions
शिर्डी साईबाबा आरती और दर्शन - अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
What are the temple opening and closing times?
The temple opens at 4:45 AM and closes after the Shej Aarti at night. No official closing time is stated by the Sansthan. Free darshan starts at 6:25 AM.
What are the four aarti timings at Shirdi?
Kakad Aarti is at 5:15 AM, Madhyan Aarti at 12:00 PM, Dhoop Aarti at sunset and Shej Aarti at 10:00 PM. Aarti passes are Rs.600 for Kakad Aarti and Rs.400 each for the other three.
Is free darshan available and do I need a ticket?
Yes. Free darshan needs no ticket, no booking and no donation. Just join the free queue. Anyone who sells you a ticket for free darshan is not following a Sansthan rule.
How do I book the paid darshan pass online?
Use only the official portal, online.sai.org.in. The paid darshan pass costs Rs.200 per person and gives a shorter queue. The Sansthan says the only official websites are www.sai.org.in and online.sai.org.in.
Is there a VIP darshan at Shirdi?
The Sansthan now offers a paid darshan pass of Rs.200 per person instead of what people call VIP darshan. It is optional and only saves queue time.
When is Punyatithi 2026 at Shirdi?
Punyatithi 2026 is on 19-21 October 2026, as per the Sansthan. The main day is Vijayadashami (Dussehra), 20 October 2026. Expect very long queues, and book your train and room early.
When is the next Ram Navami festival?
The next Ram Navami is on 15 April 2027. The Ram Navami festival at Shirdi began in 1912, and the Urs fair began in 1897. Both draw very large crowds.
Is food free at Shirdi?
Yes. The Shri Sai Prasadalaya serves free vegetarian meals. Since 2025 you need a free token from the Sansthan counter to enter.
Can I watch live darshan online?
Yes, on the official Sansthan website sai.org.in (click Live Darshan) and its official YouTube channel. The Sansthan warns that other channels asking for money to show live darshan are not authorised.
Where can I find the route and hotels?
See Page 3: How to Reach, Hotels and Nearby Places for trains, flights, buses and Sansthan rooms. For the story of Baba, read Page 1.
Shirdi Sai Baba - Complete Guide
- Page 1: Story, Five Sacred Sites (Dwarkamai, Chavadi, Gurusthan, Lendi Baug), Teachings
- Page 2 (this page): Daily Programme, Four Aartis, Darshan Booking, Punyatithi, Live Darshan
- Page 3: How to Reach Shirdi, Hotels, Nearby Places, Crowd Tips, FAQ
- Page 4: Fact Check - True or False, Myths and Quotes
Sources and References
All data on this page has been verified from official sources (last reviewed October 2026):
- SSST Official Daily Programme - sai.org.in/en/daily-programme
- Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust - Official Website (sai.org.in)
- official booking portal - online.sai.org.in
- Wikipedia - Shri Sai Baba Temple, Shirdi
- SSST - Festivals (Punyatithi 2026 dates)
Aarti and darshan fees are set by the Sansthan and may change. Always confirm current rates at online.sai.org.in. Book ONLY at the official portal.
ॐ साईं राम. Sabka Malik Ek.