Shirdi in Ahilyanagar district of Maharashtra is home to the Samadhi Mandir of Sai Baba, a revered saint followed by people of many faiths. Lakhs of devotees visit every year.
This article is based on religious beliefs and traditions. Democratic Bharat Live does not claim to verify them.
About Sai Baba
Sai Baba lived in Shirdi from the mid nineteenth century until he took samadhi on 15 October 1918, on the day of Vijayadashami. He taught faith (shraddha) and patience (saburi) and is known for the saying Sabka Malik Ek. Devotees believe in his miracles and blessings.
The temple is managed by the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi.
Main places in the complex
- **Samadhi Mandir:** where Sai Baba’s samadhi and marble idol are
- **Dwarkamai:** the mosque where he lived, with the sacred fire (dhuni) still burning
- **Chavadi:** where he slept on alternate nights
- **Gurusthan:** under a neem tree, where he was first seen
Daily aartis
Four aartis are held every day:
- Kakad Aarti in the early morning
- Madhyan Aarti at noon
- Dhoop Aarti at sunset
- Shej Aarti at night
Exact timings are listed on the Sansthan website.
Also Read: Kashi Vishwanath Temple Guide: History, the Dham Corridor, Aarti Timings and Online Booking | Mahakaleshwar Temple Ujjain: Bhasma Aarti Booking, Darshan Timings and Visitor Guide
Darshan and booking
General darshan is free and done through queue complexes. The Sansthan also offers online booking for some paid darshan passes, aarti passes and accommodation on its official portal. Use only the official website and avoid touts. Carry a valid photo ID.
Prasad and stay
The Sansthan runs a large prasadalaya serving meals to devotees at low cost, and offers rooms in its bhakt niwas buildings, which can be booked online.
Best time to visit
Thursdays, weekends, Guru Purnima, Ram Navami and Vijayadashami are very crowded. Weekday mornings are calmer.
How to reach
- **Air:** Shirdi airport at Kakadi is about 15 km away, with flights from some cities.
- **Rail:** Sainagar Shirdi railway station is close to the town.
- **Road:** Shirdi is about 90 km from Nashik and about 240 km from Mumbai by road.
Nearby places
- Shani Shingnapur temple
- Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga near Nashik
- Sai Heritage Village and the Khandoba temple in Shirdi
Bottom line
Plan Shirdi visits on weekdays, book passes and rooms only on the Sansthan’s official site, and attend at least one aarti.
Source / स्रोत: Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi, Maharashtra Tourism
