28°C
Ahilyanagar
Shree Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir
Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, India
Shirdi Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir in Maharashtra is the sacred resting place of Sai Baba, revered across faiths for his teachings of Shraddha, Saburi and the message 'Sabka Malik Ek'.
- ReligionHindu
- DeityShri Sai Baba of Shirdi
- TimingsDaily (all days of the week): approx. 4:30 AM - 10:00 PM
About the temple
About the temple
Shree Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir in Shirdi, Maharashtra, is one of the most visited pilgrimage shrines in India and the principal temple of Sai Baba of Shirdi. The shrine stands over the samadhi where Sai Baba's mortal remains were interred after his Mahasamadhi on 15 October 1918, on the day of Vijayadashami. The building was originally constructed as a wada by Shreemant Gopalrao Buti of Nagpur, and the Italian marble statue of Sai Baba that devotees worship today was installed above the samadhi on 7 October 1954. Administered by the Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust, the temple forms the heart of a sacred complex that includes Dwarkamai, Chavadi, Gurusthan and Lendi Baug, places closely linked to Baba's life in Shirdi.
Shree Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir
Shree Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir
The Sacred Legacy of Shree Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir in Numbers
Discover the history and enduring devotion of Shree Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir in Shirdi, the resting place of Sai Baba and one of India's most visited pilgrimage shrines. From a village wada to a vast pilgrimage complex, the temple connects more than a century of faith, service and devotion.
- Approximate Year Sai Baba Settled Permanently in Shirdi
- c.1858
- Approximate Period Sai Baba Lived in Shirdi, Mostly at Dwarkamai
- 60 years
- Date of Sai Baba's Mahasamadhi on Vijayadashami
- 15-10-1918
- Year the Shree Saibaba Sansthan Was Formed under a Court-Approved Scheme
- 1922
- Year the Italian Marble Statue Was Installed above the Samadhi
- 1954
- Daily Aartis - Kakad, Madhyan, Dhoop and Shej
- 4
- Approximate Number of Devotees Served Free Meals Daily at the Prasadalaya
- 50000+
- Solar Dishes in the Prasadalaya's Solar Steam Cooking System
- 73
- Rooms at Sai Ashram, the Sansthan's Largest Accommodation Complex
- 1536
- Beds at Shri Saibaba Super Speciality Hospital, Run by the Sansthan
- 261
Approximate Year Sai Baba Settled Permanently in Shirdi
Approximate Period Sai Baba Lived in Shirdi, Mostly at Dwarkamai
Date of Sai Baba's Mahasamadhi on Vijayadashami
Year the Shree Saibaba Sansthan Was Formed under a Court-Approved Scheme
Year the Italian Marble Statue Was Installed above the Samadhi
Daily Aartis - Kakad, Madhyan, Dhoop and Shej
Approximate Number of Devotees Served Free Meals Daily at the Prasadalaya
Solar Dishes in the Prasadalaya's Solar Steam Cooking System
Rooms at Sai Ashram, the Sansthan's Largest Accommodation Complex
Beds at Shri Saibaba Super Speciality Hospital, Run by the Sansthan
Historical Background
Sai Baba is believed to have first come to Shirdi as a young ascetic in the mid-19th century and to have settled there permanently around 1858, living in a dilapidated mosque he named Dwarkamai until his death. During his lifetime, devotees from across western India began visiting Shirdi, and practices such as the Chavadi procession and the Ram Navami festival took shape. Between 1914 and 1918, Gopalrao Buti of Nagpur built a stone wada intended as a Muralidhar temple; after Baba's Mahasamadhi on 15 October 1918, his body was interred there, and Buti Wada became the Samadhi Mandir. The Shree Saibaba Sansthan was registered under a scheme approved by the District Court of Ahmednagar on 13 February 1922, with Das Ganu Maharaj among the first committee members. The marble statue of Sai Baba was installed on Vijayadashami, 7 October 1954. Managed under court schemes, state receivership and later the Charity Commissioner, the Sansthan has been governed since 2004 by the Shree Sai Baba Sansthan Trust (Shirdi) Act, and today runs the temple complex, hospitals, educational institutions, accommodation and the Prasadalaya.
Mid-19th century (c. 1854)
Mid-19th century (c. 1854)
Sai Baba first appears in Shirdi as a young ascetic of about sixteen, seated under a neem tree at the spot now called Gurusthan. His parents and birthplace were never known.c. 1858
c. 1858
He returns with a wedding party. Mhalsapati, the priest of the Khandoba temple, greets him with "Ya Sai." He later settles in an abandoned mosque that became known as Dwarkamai. Sources disagree on whether Baba himself coined that name, so "later known as Dwarkamai" is the safest wording.1909
1909
The Chavadi procession began, with Baba sleeping on alternate nights at the village Chavadi; the tradition continues as the Thursday palkhi.1911-1912
1911-1912
The Ram Navami festival began to be celebrated in Shirdi, alongside the traditional Urs, and became one of the main annual festivals.1914-1915
1914-1915
Gopalrao Buti of Nagpur began constructing a stone wada (Buti Wada) intended to house an image of Muralidhar.15 October 1918
15 October 1918
Sai Baba attained Mahasamadhi on Vijayadashami; his body was interred in Buti Wada, which became the Samadhi Mandir.13 February 1922
13 February 1922
The Shree Saibaba Sansthan was formed under a scheme approved by the District Court of Ahmednagar; the first committee met on 6 April 1922.1930
1930
Shri Sai Satcharitra by Govind Raghunath Dabholkar (Hemadpant) was published, becoming the principal devotional biography of Sai Baba.30 September 1941
30 September 1941
Gurusthan was renovated as a shrine with Baba's portrait and a marble statue.7 October 1954
7 October 1954
The Italian marble statue of Sai Baba was installed above the samadhi on Vijayadashami.1962-1984
1962-1984
The Sansthan was managed under state receivership, then by the Charity Commissioner of Maharashtra from 1984 to 2004.1976
1976
The Datta temple at Lendi Baug received its marble statue on 6 December 1976.1998-1999
1998-1999
The Samadhi Mandir premises underwent major renovation and expansion.2002
2002
A large silver throne was installed on Ram Navami; gold ornamentation of the sanctum was added in later years, including gold-covered walls around the statue in 2009.2004
2004
The Shree Sai Baba Sansthan Trust (Shirdi) Act was passed, placing the temple under a statutory trust; it was amended in 2011, 2013 and 2017.2017
2017
Shirdi Airport opened at Kakadi, about 14-17 km from the temple, improving access for pilgrims.2018
2018
The Mahasamadhi centenary (Shatabdi) was observed across 2017-2018 with year-long celebrations.
Synopsis
Shree Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir in Shirdi, Ahilyanagar district, Maharashtra, is the samadhi shrine of Sai Baba, the saint who lived in Shirdi for about six decades and taught faith (Shraddha), patience (Saburi) and the unity of God ('Sabka Malik Ek'). Built as Buti Wada and consecrated as his resting place after his Mahasamadhi in 1918, the temple houses an Italian marble statue installed in 1954 and draws devotees of every faith. Managed by the Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust, the complex holds four daily aartis, a weekly Thursday palkhi procession and one of the largest free community kitchens in India.
Sai Baba lived in Shirdi from around 1858 until his Mahasamadhi on 15 October 1918. Gopalrao Buti of Nagpur began building the stone wada (Dagdi Wada) in 1915, not "1914-1915". It was meant to house a Muralidhar (Krishna) image. Baba's body was interred at the spot reserved for Muralidhar.
Most of what is known comes from the Shri Sai Satcharitra, written in Marathi by Hemadpant, who received Baba's blessing to write it in 1910. Mhalsapati, Das Ganu and Nanasaheb Chandorkar appear in the sources as early devotees. His birthplace and parents are unknown, though some accounts give a birth date of 1838, which the official history does not.
Gopalrao Buti, a wealthy devotee from Nagpur, started the wada that became the shrine. The Italian marble statue was installed on 7 October 1954. The ceremony was performed by Swami Sai Sharananand, who had direct contact with Baba in the eight years before his Mahasamadhi. A new 205 kg throne was installed on Ram Navami 2002.
He is revered as a sadguru by Hindus and as a fakir by Muslims. The Sansthan says the town is holy to people of all castes, creeds and religions. His teaching is summed up as "Shraddha-Saburi" (faith and patience). The Sansthan quotes his promise that his bones would speak from the grave and people would throng there.
The Sansthan was established in 1922, when the District Court approved a management scheme. It was later registered under the Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950. From 1962 to 1984 it was run by a Court Receiver (not a "state receiver"), then by the Charity Commissioner until 2004, and since then under the 2004 Act. The Sansthan runs the Samadhi Temple and the other temples on the premises, along with hospitals (Shri Saibaba Superspeciality Hospital and Shri Sainath Hospital), schools and colleges, an ITI, accommodation and the Prasadalaya. The Prasadalaya was built in 2009.
Sacred significance
The Samadhi of a Living Master
The Samadhi Mandir enshrines the tomb of Sai Baba, whom devotees revere as a sadguru. Baba's assurance that his tomb would "speak and move" with those who surrender to him leads devotees to regard the samadhi not as a memorial but as the place of his continuing presence, making it the spiritual centre of Shirdi.
Shraddha and Saburi - Faith and Patience
Sai Baba asked devotees for two coins of dakshina, which he explained as Shraddha (faith) and Saburi (patience). These two virtues remain the core of devotion at Shirdi, and the words appear across the temple complex and in the daily prayers of devotees.
Sabka Malik Ek - One God for All
Baba's teaching that "One God governs all" draws Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Parsis, Christians and people of no particular faith to Shirdi. He lived in a mosque he called Dwarkamai, kept a sacred fire and celebrated both Ram Navami and the Urs, and the shrine continues to welcome devotees of every background.
Udi - The Sacred Ash of the Dhuni
The ash from the ever-burning dhuni at Dwarkamai, known as udi, was distributed by Baba as a blessing and remedy. Pilgrims still receive udi as prasad and carry it home, applying it to the forehead or taking a pinch with water as an act of faith.
The Four Daily Aartis
Kakad Aarti at dawn, Madhyan Aarti at noon, Dhoop Aarti at sunset and Shej Aarti at night follow the rhythm of worship begun in Baba's lifetime. The aarti songs, many composed by his devotees, are sung by thousands of pilgrims each day and broadcast to devotees worldwide.
Architecture
The Samadhi Mandir occupies the former Buti Wada, a stone mansion built from about 1914-1915 by Gopalrao Buti of Nagpur in the style of a traditional Maharashtrian wada rather than a classical Nagara or Dravidian temple. At its heart lies the samadhi of Sai Baba, a white marble tomb, above which sits the life-size Italian marble statue of Baba installed in 1954. Over the decades, devotees' gifts and the Sansthan's renovations have added a silver throne, gold-covered walls around the statue, a large assembly hall, an extensive queue complex and modern facilities, so the shrine today reflects its evolution from a private house to one of India's busiest pilgrimage centres.
Layout
Layout of the Complex
The Samadhi Mandir stands at the centre of the temple complex, with Dwarkamai to the right of its entrance and Gurusthan, Chavadi and the Maruti (Hanuman) temple close by. A covered darshan queue complex leads devotees into the assembly hall, and the complex is reached through several numbered gates.
Sanctum
The Samadhi and Statue
The samadhi is built of white marble and surrounded by a marble railing with ornamental designs. Above it sits the Italian marble statue of Sai Baba, seated cross-legged with his right leg resting on the left knee, installed on Vijayadashami, 7 October 1954.
Throne
Silver Throne and Gold Ornamentation
The statue is enthroned on a decorated silver throne; a grand throne of about 205 kg was installed on Ram Navami 2002 for festival use. In 2009 the walls around the statue were covered with gold sheets embossed with images of Baba, donated by a devotee.
Hall
Assembly Hall
The main hall in front of the samadhi was expanded to hold several hundred devotees at a time for darshan and the four daily aartis. Two decorative silver pillars stand in the hall, and screens relay the rituals to devotees in the queue.
Mosque
Dwarkamai
The old village mosque where Baba lived for about sixty years has two levels. The lower level holds his portrait, the stone on which he sat and the ever-burning dhuni; the upper level displays an oil painting of Baba, his bathing stone, and the kolamba (vessel) he used to collect alms.
Shrine
Gurusthan and the Neem Tree
A small shrine built around the neem tree under which Baba first meditated, renovated in 1941. It contains a portrait and marble statue of Baba, a Shivalinga and images of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
Shrine
Chavadi
The village hall where Baba slept on alternate nights is a modest single-storey building that preserves his portrait, wooden bed and white chair. It is the destination of the Thursday palkhi procession.
Garden
Lendi Baug and Nanda Deep
The garden Baba watered daily contains the octagonal marble Nanda Deep, an ever-burning lamp marking the spot where he lit a lamp under a neem tree, a well dug by Baba, a Datta temple and samadhis of devotees and of his horse Shyamsundar.
Queue Complex
Darshan Queue Complex
A large multi-level queue complex built by the Sansthan manages heavy crowds, with waiting halls, drinking water, toilets and screens showing the rituals. Separate entrances serve general darshan, paid darshan and devotees needing assistance.
Interesting facts
Buti Wada was planned by Gopalrao Buti as a shrine to Lord Krishna as Muralidhar. Before his passing, Baba asked to be taken to the wada, and he was interred at the very spot where the Muralidhar image was to stand, so the house built for God became his samadhi.
Deities & Shrines
Maruti (Hanuman) Mandir
The old Maruti temple stands between Dwarkamai and Chavadi. Sai Baba visited it, and it was here that the young ascetic Devidas, who lived in Shirdi before Baba's arrival, received visitors. Devotees offer prayers to Hanuman for strength and protection as part of the Shirdi pilgrimage.
Shivalinga at Gurusthan
Gurusthan, the shrine around the neem tree where Baba first meditated, contains a Shivalinga alongside Baba's portrait and statue, with images of the twelve Jyotirlingas displayed within. Devotees light incense here, believed to bring relief from illness.
Lord Dattatreya at Lendi Baug
A Datta temple stands in Lendi Baug, the garden Baba tended daily, with a marble statue installed on 6 December 1976. Many devotees regard Sai Baba as an incarnation of Dattatreya, the divine guru, making this shrine especially meaningful.
Ganapati Temple
A shrine to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, is one of the three old village temples near the Samadhi Mandir. Devotees traditionally offer prayers to Ganesha before or after their darshan of Baba.
Shani Temple
A shrine to Shani, the planetary deity associated with Saturn, stands among the village temples near the complex. Devotees, especially on Saturdays, pray here for relief from hardship and the effects of Shani in their horoscopes.
Mahadev (Shankar) Temple
The third of the old village shrines near the Samadhi Mandir is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Mahadev. It reflects the village's older religious life, which Baba respected and encouraged.
Samadhis at Lendi Baug
Lendi Baug also holds the samadhis of devoted followers of Baba and of his horse Shyamsundar, believed to have bowed before him during aartis. Devotees pay their respects here as part of their visit to the garden.
Darshan & Service Offerings
| Service | Timing | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Darshan (Free Darshan) | From 06:25 AM until the Shej Aarti, pausing during the aartis. | Free | General darshan allows every devotee to visit the samadhi and statue of Sai Baba without charge. Devotees enter through the darshan queue complex, and waiting times range from under an hour on quiet weekdays to several hours on Thursdays, weekends and festivals. |
| Paid Darshan (VIP / Priority Darshan Pass) | During darshan hours, in the slots shown at booking; not available during aartis. | Paid; listed at about ₹200 per person (children under 6 free); confirm the current rate. | The paid darshan pass gives access through a separate, shorter queue. Passes can be booked online at online.sai.org.in or the Sansthan mobile app, or at the Sansthan's pass counters, subject to availability. A valid photo ID is required. |
| Mukh Darshan | During temple hours. | Free | Devotees short of time can view Baba's statue from a raised viewing point without entering the main queue. The darshan is from a distance, but it avoids the long wait in the queue complex. |
| Kakad Aarti Pass (Morning Aarti) | 05:15 AM; report early as instructed on the pass. | Paid; listed at about ₹600 per person; confirm the current rate. | The pass allows devotees to attend the dawn aarti inside the Samadhi Mandir hall. Seats are limited and the pass is in high demand, so book well in advance. |
| Madhyan Aarti Pass (Midday Aarti) | 12:00 PM. | Paid; listed at about ₹400 per person; confirm the current rate. | The pass allows devotees to attend the midday aarti and naivedya offering inside the hall, subject to availability. |
| Dhoop Aarti Pass (Evening Aarti) | At sunset. | Paid; listed at about ₹400 per person; confirm the current rate. | The pass allows devotees to attend the sunset aarti inside the Samadhi Mandir hall, subject to the Sansthan's arrangements. |
| Shej Aarti Pass (Night Aarti) | 10:00 PM. | Paid; listed at about ₹400 per person; confirm the current rate. | The pass allows devotees to attend the final aarti of the day, when Baba is put to rest for the night. |
| Abhishek Pooja | Morning batches, as scheduled by the Sansthan; may be suspended on heavy-crowd days. | Paid; as listed by the Sansthan. | A ritual worship in which devotees take part in an abhishek of Baba's padukas or image with priests chanting. Book at the Sansthan's pooja counter or through official channels. |
| Live Darshan (Online Darshan) | As streamed by the Sansthan. | Free | The Sansthan streams live darshan and the aartis from the Samadhi Mandir through its official website and app, letting devotees worldwide take part remotely. |
| Thursday Palkhi Procession | Thursday night, usually around 09:00 PM. | Free to watch | Baba's portrait and padukas are carried in a palanquin from the Samadhi Mandir to Dwarkamai and Chavadi. Devotees can line the route; it is crowded, so keep children close. |
| Prasadalaya Meal | 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM. | Free in the general hall (token given after darshan); a paid table-service hall has also been listed. | The Sansthan's Prasadalaya serves wholesome vegetarian meals to devotees as Baba's prasad. Since February 2025, a free meal token is issued with the udi-bundi prasad after darshan. |
Visitor information
Location
Shree Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir is located in the Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust complex, Shirdi, Taluka Rahata, Ahilyanagar district, Maharashtra 423109, India. The town lies on the Ahilyanagar-Manmad road (NH 160), about 80 km from Ahilyanagar and 90 km from Nashik.
Temple Opening Hours
The Samadhi Mandir opens at 04:45 AM and closes after the Shej Aarti at 10:00 PM. It stays open all night on the main days of Ram Navami, Guru Purnima and Vijayadashami.
Darshan Title: Darshan Timings
Darshan begins at 06:25 AM and continues until the night aarti, pausing during the Kakad, Madhyan, Dhoop and Shej aartis. Waiting times are longest on Thursdays, weekends, public holidays and festivals.
Entry Title: Entry and Ticket Information
General darshan is free. Paid darshan passes and aarti passes are available online at online.sai.org.in, through the Sansthan app and at the Sansthan's pass counters, subject to availability. Carry a valid photo ID, such as Aadhaar, passport, voter ID or driving licence.
Gates Title: Entry Gates
The complex is entered through numbered gates. Visitor reports describe Gate No. 2 as the main entrance for general darshan, Gate No. 3 for senior citizens, differently-abled devotees and foreign visitors, and Gate No. 1 for mukh darshan. Follow on-site signs, as arrangements can change.
Dress Code Title: Dress and Attire
The Sansthan requests, but does not mandate, modest dress that covers the legs below the knee and the arms to the elbow. A notice to this effect has been displayed since 2005.
Security Title: Security and Prohibited Items
Devotees pass through security checks at the entrances. Mobile phones and cameras are not permitted inside the Samadhi Mandir, and photography of the sanctum is prohibited. Footwear must be left outside.
Locker Title: Locker and Footwear Facilities
Sansthan lockers are available near the entrances at a nominal charge for phones, cameras and bags, along with footwear stands. Many flower and puja shops also keep footwear for customers.
Helpdesk Title: Official Helpline
The Sansthan helpline numbers are +91 7588375204, 7588371245, 7588373189 and 7588374469. The main office can be reached at 02423-258500.
Support Title: Online Services Support
For help with online darshan, aarti and accommodation bookings, call 02423-258965 or 02423-258966. Grievances can be raised at 02423-259292.
Accessibility Title: Accessibility and Assisted Darshan
Wheelchairs are available at the temple gates, and a separate entrance serves senior citizens and differently-abled devotees. Lifts are provided within the complex.
Getting There
Sainagar Shirdi railway station is about 4 km from the temple, and Shirdi Airport at Kakadi is about 14-17 km away. The Shirdi bus stand, with a Sansthan reception centre, is within walking distance of the complex.
Lost Property and Missing Persons
For lost property, contact Sansthan security at 02423-258888. Missing-person announcements are made from the announcement centre near Gate No. 3.
Important Visitor Notice
Darshan timings, aarti schedules, pass availability and entry arrangements may change during festivals, Thursdays and special occasions. Check the official website, sai.org.in, for the latest information before travelling.
Location
Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, India
Best Time to Visit
Ideal Time to Visit (October-March)
The months from October to March bring cooler, dry weather, making it more comfortable to queue for darshan and walk between Dwarkamai, Chavadi, Gurusthan and Lendi Baug. This is also the busiest season, so book passes and rooms early.
Rama Navami (March-April)
The three-day Ram Navami festival, celebrated in Shirdi since Baba's lifetime, brings huge crowds, processions with palanquin and chariot, and all-night darshan on the main day. It is a deeply devotional time to visit, but expect very long queues.
Guru Purnima (July)
Guru Purnima honours the guru and is one of Shirdi's three major festivals. Devotees arrive in large numbers to honour Baba as their sadguru, and the Samadhi Mandir stays open through the night on the main day.
Vijayadashami / Punyatithi (September-October)
Vijayadashami marks Baba's Mahasamadhi in 1918 and is observed as the Punyatithi festival over three days. In 2026 the Punyatithi festival falls on 19-21 October.
Thursdays
Thursday is Baba's special day, with the palkhi procession at night. It is a meaningful day to visit, but queues are among the longest of the week.
Summer Visit (April-June)
Summers in Shirdi are hot and dry, with daytime temperatures often above 35°C. Visit early in the morning or in the evening, carry water and protect yourself from the sun while queueing.
Nearby places
Dwarkamai
Adjacent to the Samadhi Mandir (to the right of the entrance)
- The old mosque where Sai Baba lived for about sixty years, with the ever-burning dhuni, the stone on which he sat and his portrait. One of the most sacred places in Shirdi.
Chavadi
About 100 m from the Samadhi Mandir
- The village hall where Baba slept on alternate nights, preserving his wooden bed and chair. It is the destination of the Thursday palkhi.
Gurusthan
Within the temple complex
- The shrine around the neem tree where Baba first meditated as a youth, with a Shivalinga, his portrait and statue.
Lendi Baug and Nanda Deep
Within the temple complex
- The garden Baba tended daily, with the ever-burning Nanda Deep lamp, a well dug by Baba, a Datta temple and samadhis of devotees.
Festivals & culture
Shree Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir celebrates three major festivals each year: Ram Navami, Guru Purnima and Vijayadashami (Baba's Punyatithi). Each is observed over three days with puja, bhajans, continuous reading of scriptures (akhand parayan), palanquin and chariot processions, and all-night darshan on the main day. Thursdays and the New Year also draw large crowds. Festival dates follow the Hindu calendar and vary each year.
Ram Navami
March-April (Chaitra; varies)
Celebrated in Shirdi since about 1911-1912, during Baba's lifetime, when it was held together with the Urs of the Muslim community. The three-day festival includes akhand parayan of the Shri Sai Satcharitra, palkhi and rath processions, and the Samadhi Mandir stays open all night on the main day.
Vijayadashami - Shri Sai Baba Punyatithi
September-October (varies); 19-21 October in 2026
Marks Baba's Mahasamadhi on Vijayadashami, 15 October 1918. The three-day Punyatithi festival includes special rituals, processions and all-night darshan, and is one of the busiest times of the year in Shirdi.
Additional information
Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi
The temple is administered by the Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust under the Shree Sai Baba Sansthan Trust (Shirdi) Act, 2004. The Sansthan was first formed under a court-approved scheme in 1922.
Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust Address
Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi, Taluka Rahata, Ahilyanagar district, Maharashtra 423109, India.
Sansthan Office
Phone: 02423-258500 - For general inquiries about darshan, poojas and Sansthan services.
Official Portals
sai.org.in and online.sai.org.in provide darshan and aarti passes, pooja bookings, accommodation, donations and live darshan. Use only these official portals.
Aarti Pass Booking
Kakad Aarti passes are listed at about ₹600 and Madhyan, Dhoop and Shej Aarti passes at about ₹400 per person, subject to availability.
Sansthan Accommodation
The Sansthan runs Sai Ashram, Dwarawati and Sai Baba Bhaktaniwassthan, with thousands of rooms from budget to AC, bookable online.
Sansthan Hospitals
The Sansthan runs Shri Saibaba Super Speciality Hospital and Shri Sainath Hospital, with 24-hour emergency services, and the Sainath Blood Bank.
Important Visitor Advisory
Verify timings, pass availability, prices, festival arrangements and parking immediately before travel, and beware of fake booking websites.
Temple facilities
Helpline and Reception Centres
The Sansthan helpline (+91 7588375204 / 7588371245 / 7588374469) assists with darshan, passes and accommodation. Sansthan enquiry counters in the temple area help arriving pilgrims.
Lockers and Footwear Stands
Sansthan cloakrooms near the entrances store phones and cameras at a nominal charge, as these are not allowed inside the temple. Footwear stands are available near the entry points.
Darshan Queue Complex
A large darshan queue complex, opened in October 2023, has waiting halls seating more than 10,000 devotees, with cloakrooms, toilets, drinking water and prasad counters.
Pass Counters and Online Booking
Paid darshan and aarti passes can be booked online at online.sai.org.in, on the Sansthan app, or at Sansthan counters, including the paid darshan kiosk near Entry Gate No. 1.
Assistance for Elderly and Differently-Abled Devotees
Senior citizens and differently-abled devotees can ask Sansthan staff at the gates about assisted darshan arrangements and wheelchair support.
Prasadalaya
The Sansthan's Prasadalaya serves free vegetarian meals from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. A free meal token is given with the udi-bundi prasad after darshan.
First Aid and Hospitals
First aid is available within the temple complex, and the Sansthan's hospitals provide emergency medical services (02423 -258666 / 258555).
Sansthan Accommodation
Sai Ashram (1,536 rooms), Dwarawati (334 rooms, including 80 AC rooms) and Sai Baba Bhaktaniwassthan (542 rooms) offer rooms, dormitories and group halls. Book through the official portal.
Free Shuttle Bus
Free Sansthan buses run at regular intervals between the Sansthan accommodation complexes, the temple and the Prasadalaya.
Book Stall and Donation Counters
Authorised Sansthan publications, including the Shri Sai Satcharitra and aarti books, are sold at book shops in the temple premises and online. Donations can be made at the Sansthan donation office or online, with official receipts.
Emergency services
India Emergency Response
Not location-specific
Contact
112
- Call 112 for urgent police, medical or fire assistance through India's integrated emergency response system.
Top picks
Shirdi Laddoo
The laddoo prasad of Shirdi is the town's signature sweet, bought by devotees to take home and share with family.
Visitor guide
Shirdi Airport (SAG), Kakadi
Approximately 14 km
- The nearest airport, inaugurated on 1 October 2017, with domestic flights to cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai; schedules vary. Taxis and MSRTC shuttle buses connect the airport to Shirdi.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) Airport
Approximately 110-130 km
- An alternative airport with more domestic connections. The drive to Shirdi takes about 2.5-3 hours.
Pune International Airport
Approximately 190-200 km by road
- A major airport with wide domestic and selected international connections. The drive takes about 4-5 hours.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It is in Shirdi, Taluka Rahata, Ahilyanagar district, Maharashtra 423109, India.
Sai Baba of Shirdi, the saint revered by devotees of many faiths. The temple stands over his samadhi.
On 15 October 1918, the day of Vijayadashami.
It was built as Buti Wada by Shreemant Gopalrao Buti of Nagpur from about 1914-1915; Baba was interred there in 1918.
The temple opens at 04:45 AM, darshan begins at 06:25 AM, and it closes after the Shej Aarti at 10:00 PM.
Kakad Aarti at 05:15 AM, Madhyan Aarti at 12:00 PM, Dhoop Aarti at sunset and Shej Aarti at 10:00 PM.
Yes. General darshan is free. Paid darshan passes (about ₹200) and aarti passes (about ₹400-600) are available through official channels.
Book at online.sai.org.in, on the Sansthan app or at Sansthan counters in Shirdi. Carry a valid photo ID.
No. Mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside the Samadhi Mandir; lockers are available near the entrances.
The Sansthan requests modest clothing covering legs below the knees and arms to the elbows, but it is not compulsory.
Yes. The Sansthan's Prasadalaya serves free meals from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM; a meal token is given after darshan.
Yes. Sai Ashram, Dwarawati and Sai Baba Bhaktaniwassthan offer rooms bookable at online.sai.org.in.
Ram Navami, Guru Purnima and Vijayadashami (Punyatithi), each celebrated over three days. Thursdays are also special.
By air to Shirdi Airport (about 14-17 km), by train to Sainagar Shirdi (about 4 km), or by road via NH 160.
Check the official website, sai.org.in, and its latest notices, especially before festivals.