Shirdi Sai Baba Aarti Timings, Rituals & Festivals – Complete Guide
The Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, located in Maharashtra, is one of the most significant spiritual destinations in India. Devotees from across the country and abroad visit this holy shrine to offer prayers and participate in the powerful aartis and rituals that take place daily. This guide provides accurate and updated information on Shirdi Sai Baba Aarti Timings, daily pooja schedule, rituals, and major festivals celebrated at the temple.
Shirdi Sai Baba Daily Aarti Timings
The temple performs four main aartis every day, starting early morning and continuing till night. Devotees are allowed to attend all aartis by obtaining passes from the temple trust.
Kakad Aarti (Morning Aarti)
Timing: 4:30 AM to 5:00 AM
This is the first aarti of the day. It begins with the ceremonial waking up of Sai Baba, followed by prayers and bhajans.
Madhyan Aarti (Noon Aarti)
Timing: 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM
Performed at noon, this aarti symbolizes the peak of Baba’s spiritual presence during the day.
Dhoop Aarti (Evening Aarti)
Timing: Around 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM (varies with season)
This aarti is performed at dusk and is one of the most attended by devotees.
Shej Aarti (Night Aarti)
Timing: 10:30 PM to 10:50 PM
The final aarti of the day involves putting Sai Baba to rest, with chants and lighting of lamps.
Shirdi Sai Baba Daily Ritual Schedule
- Temple Opens: 4:00 AM – The Samadhi Mandir opens with cleaning and decoration.
- Mangal Snan: 4:15 AM – The idol of Sai Baba is bathed and dressed in fresh clothes and jewelry.
- Abhishek Pooja: 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM – Special abhishek is performed using milk, ghee, coconut water, and sacred ash.
- Darshan & Prarthana: Available all day except during aartis.
- Anna Daan: The Prasadalaya serves free meals to thousands of devotees daily.
- Palki Procession: Every Thursday at 9:15 PM – A grand procession with Baba’s belongings.
Major Festivals Celebrated at Shirdi Temple
Ram Navami (March/April)
Marks the birth of Lord Rama and the day Sai Baba took Samadhi. Celebrated with processions, bhajans, and events.
Guru Purnima (June/July)
Dedicated to all gurus. Devotees honor Sai Baba as the supreme Sadguru with special rituals and programs.
Vijayadashami / Sai Baba Punyatithi (September/October)
Commemorates Sai Baba’s Samadhi. A three-day spiritual celebration with abhishekam, bhajans, and discourses.
Other Hindu Festivals
Festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Janmashtami are also celebrated with great devotion and traditional rituals in Shirdi.
Important Tips for Devotees
- Entry Passes: Aarti passes must be booked online or at the temple office.
- Dress Code: Traditional and modest clothing is recommended inside the temple.
- Accommodation: Sai Ashram and Bhakta Niwas offer budget-friendly rooms for devotees.
- Mobile & Camera: Not allowed inside the Samadhi Mandir area.
- Footwear: Must be removed before entering temple premises.