Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in 2026 Passes Online Booking

Nestled on what was once considered ancient spiritual ground, the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple enshrines the Samadhi (final resting place) of Shri Saibaba, a revered saint who taught the principles of Shraddha (faith) and Saburi (patience). Sai Baba arrived in Shirdi around 1858 and lived there for nearly six decades, drawing followers from all walks of life with his message of universal love and inter-religious harmony. His physical form left the world on October 15, 1918, but his presence is believed to be eternal and profoundly felt in Shirdi.

The main temple complex, centered around the sacred Samadhi Mandir, is not just a monument but a living testament to Baba’s promise that whoever steps into Shirdi will be blessed with peace and prosperity. The management of the entire temple town and its vast charitable works falls under the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, which was formally established to ensure the seamless operation of spiritual and service activities for the millions of devotees who visit each year.

Overview of Key Information at a Glance

Temple Daily Schedule and Timings

The temple follows a strict and spiritually enriching daily schedule. The first ritual begins before dawn and the final one concludes late at night, allowing devotees to participate in the divine rhythm of the day. Darshan of the Samadhi Mandir begins early in the morning and continues throughout the day, with brief pauses during Aarti times.

Available Sevas, Darshans, and Donations

The Sansthan Trust facilitates various ways for devotees to offer their devotion, from simple darshan to specific paid sevas (services) and charitable donations. It is crucially important to note that all online bookings and donations must be made only through the official websites: sai.org.in or online.sai.org.in. The Trust has issued warnings against fraudulent websites that cheat devotees by posing as official booking portals.

How to Reach Shirdi

Shirdi is well-connected by road, rail, and air, catering to pilgrims from across India and the world.

• By Air: The nearest airport is in Aurangabad (approximately 140 km away), which has good connectivity to major Indian cities. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Shirdi.
• By Train: Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station is the dedicated railway station for the town, with direct trains from Mumbai, Pune, and other key cities. Alternatively, the Manmad Junction (about 60 km away) is a major railhead with more frequent connections.
• By Road: Shirdi has an excellent road network. State-run and private buses regularly ply from cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Ahmednagar. The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) operates comfortable buses for the journey.

Booking Your Darshan and Accommodation

All official bookings are consolidated on the Sansthan’s online portal.

1. Visit the Official Portal: Go to https://online.sai.org.in.
2. Register/Login: Create an account using your mobile number and email ID.
3. Select Service: Choose from “Room Booking” for accommodation or “Donation/Seva” for contributions.
4. Fill Details: Enter accurate personal details for all members. For room booking, you must submit valid ID proofs (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.) for all occupants.
5. Choose and Pay: Select your preferred dates and accommodation type, then make the payment securely. Remember: The only official online accommodation booking website is online.sai.org.in.

Important Booking Rules:

• Rooms are allotted for a minimum of 24 hours and a maximum of 48 hours.
• Rooms are not allotted to single male or female devotees; hall facilities are available instead.
• Couples must provide valid marriage proof for verification.
• Always carry a printed copy of your booking confirmation and original ID proof.

Nearby Attractions for Devotees

After seeking blessings at the Samadhi Mandir, devotees often visit other sacred sites in Shirdi associated with Baba’s life:

• Dwarkamai Masjid: This is the place where Sai Baba lived for most of His time. The sacred Dhuni (perpetual fire) and the oil paintings are key sights here.
• Chavadi: A building where Baba used to sleep every alternate night. It houses several articles used by Him.
• Gurusthan: A place marked by a neem tree where Baba first appeared in Shirdi as a young saint.
• Lendi Bagh: A garden nurtured by Baba Himself, where He used to take walks. It has a sacred Nanda Deep (lamp) that He lit.
• Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Museum: Located near the temple, it displays articles and photographs related to Baba’s life.

Important Instructions for All Visitors

Following the temple guidelines ensures a peaceful and respectful experience for everyone.

• Dress Code: Modest and conservative clothing is required. Avoid shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops. Traditional Indian wear is always appropriate.
• Silence and Decorum: Maintain silence inside the temple premises. Supervise children and do not let them run around.
• Prohibited Items: Mobile phones should be on silent and not used for calls inside the temple. Smoking, alcohol, non-vegetarian food, and pets are strictly prohibited on temple property.
• Footwear & Bags: Use the free cloakrooms near the temple gates for shoes, mobile phones, and bags. Do not leave them with unauthorized persons.
• Offerings: If you wish to offer Prasad, simple items like flowers are recommended. Be cautious of touts and shopkeepers who may insist on selling expensive items.
• Donations: Make donations only at the official counters within the temple complex or through the official website to avoid scams.

Accommodation Options Managed by the Sansthan

The Sansthan offers clean and affordable accommodation across multiple buildings in Shirdi, categorized mainly into AC and Non-AC rooms. The table below provides a snapshot of online bookable options.

Dos and Don’ts at the Temple

• DO plan your visit, especially during festivals.
• DO carry official photo ID proof for all members.
• DO use the free bus service provided by the Sansthan from major Bhaktniwas to the temple.
• DO visit the Prasadalaya for a meal, considered Baba’s blessed offering.
• DON’T believe or trust any individual or website offering “quick darshan” tickets outside the official system.
• DON’T drive to the temple gates; use parking lots and shuttle services.
• DON’T scribble on walls or damage any property in the accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the best time for darshan to avoid long queues?
A: Weekdays (Monday to Thursday) generally see smaller crowds than weekends. Arriving early in the morning right when darshan begins can also reduce waiting time.

Q: Are there special darshan facilities for senior citizens or infants?
A: Yes, there are separate counters near the entrance for senior citizens and for parents with infants (below 1 year) to obtain passes for easier darshan.

Q: Can we get Shri Sai Baba’s Udi (sacred ash) from the temple?
A: Yes, Udi from the sacred Dhuni in Dwarkamai is distributed to devotees. You can collect it from the designated counters.

Q: Is photography allowed inside the Samadhi Mandir?
A: No, photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside the main temple and Samadhi Mandir area.

Q: How can I report a problem or scam related to my Shirdi visit?
A: You can contact the Sansthan’s official helpdesk at 02423-258500 or email saibaba@sai.org.in