You can book Shirdi aarti online in minutes through the official Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust (SSST) portal at online.sai.org.in. Many first-time devotees miss the four daily aartis because they wait for a counter pass that often runs out by dawn. This guide gives you every step, every price, and the exact timings the temple follows right now. Since the morning and night aartis fill fast, booking ahead is the smartest move you can make.
Shirdi Aarti Booking at a Glance
- Official portal: online.sai.org.in — the only genuine booking site, run by SSST.
- Four daily aartis: Kakad (5:15 AM), Madhyan (12:00 PM), Dhoop (at sunset), Shej (10:00 PM).
- Pass price: ₹600 for Kakad Aarti, and ₹400 each for Madhyan, Dhoop and Shej.
- What you need: a mobile number, an email, a photo and one government ID.
- Children under 12: free, with no separate ticket.
- On the day: carry the same ID you booked with, because the named devotee must attend in person.
What Are the Four Daily Aartis at Shirdi?
Shirdi holds four aartis every day, and each one marks a different stage of Sai Baba’s day. Kakad Aarti wakes Baba at dawn. Madhyan Aarti is the noon worship, while Dhoop Aarti greets the evening. Shej Aarti then puts Baba to rest at night, so an aarti pass lets you stand close to the samadhi during that ritual.
The aartis happen inside the Samadhi Mandir, where seating is limited. Because of this, the temple sells timed passes instead of letting everyone crowd in. A pass guarantees your place, whereas a free darshan ticket does not.
Verified Shirdi Aarti Timings
According to the official SSST daily programme, Kakad Aarti begins at 5:15 AM and Madhyan Aarti at 12:00 PM. Dhoop Aarti starts at sunset, so its clock time shifts through the year. Shej Aarti, the final ritual, begins at 10:00 PM. Always reach the queue about 30 minutes early, since gates close once the aarti starts.
Shirdi Aarti Pass Prices
The aarti pass costs ₹600 for Kakad Aarti, and ₹400 each for the Madhyan, Dhoop and Shej aartis. A small internet reservation charge is added at checkout. Children below 12 years enter free and need no pass. These rates have held steady for a while, yet you should still confirm them on the portal before you pay.
| Aarti | Timing | Pass Price (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Kakad (Morning) | 5:15 AM | ₹600 |
| Madhyan (Noon) | 12:00 PM | ₹400 |
| Dhoop (Evening) | At sunset | ₹400 |
| Shej (Night) | 10:00 PM | ₹400 |
So the Kakad Aarti is the costliest, mainly because the pre-dawn slot is small and in high demand. If budget matters, the three ₹400 aartis offer the same closeness for less.
How to Book Shirdi Aarti Online Step by Step
To book Shirdi aarti online, open online.sai.org.in, log in with an OTP, pick your aarti and date, add devotee details, then pay by card, net banking or UPI. The portal then confirms your pass by email. Follow the steps below in order.
- Open the official portal. Go to online.sai.org.in on a phone or laptop. Avoid lookalike sites, because only this one is genuine.
- Register or use OTP. Create an account with your email and mobile, or choose a one-time booking using mobile and OTP.
- Select the Aarti service. Tap the Aarti tab, then choose Kakad, Madhyan, Dhoop or Shej.
- Pick your date. Use the calendar to find an open slot. An available date stays active, while a full date is blocked out.
- Add devotee details. Enter each person’s name and ID exactly as printed on their proof.
- Pay online. Use a card, net banking or UPI to complete the payment securely.
- Download the pass. Save and print the e-ticket, since you must show it at the gate.
Documents Needed to Book Shirdi Aarti Online
To book Shirdi aarti online, you need one valid photo ID per adult, a working mobile number for the OTP, an email for the confirmation, and a scanned photo if you register fully. The temple accepts Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, passport, driving licence and similar government proofs. Carry the same ID on the day.
The name on the booking must match the ID exactly. Because staff verify this at the gate, even a small spelling mismatch can cost you entry. Keep a printed copy as well as the phone copy, since mobile networks near the temple can be patchy. If you are also reserving a room, our guide to Shirdi temple accommodation booking walks you through that portal too.
Best Time to Book Shirdi Aarti Online
Book Shirdi aarti online as early as you can, ideally a few weeks ahead for weekends, Thursdays and festival days. Thursday is Baba’s day and draws the biggest crowds, so passes vanish quickly. Slots usually open well in advance, though the exact booking window can change, so check the portal for current availability.
Weekday aartis are easier to book and far less crowded. If your dates are flexible, pick a Monday or Tuesday. During Ram Navami, Guru Purnima and Vijayadashami, the rush is enormous, and even online passes sell out early.
Which Aarti Should You Choose?
Your choice depends on your schedule and the mood you want. Kakad Aarti offers the most serene, least crowded experience, but it means arriving before dawn. Madhyan Aarti suits day-trippers who reach Shirdi by noon. Dhoop Aarti carries a warm, lamp-lit atmosphere, while Shej Aarti feels intimate and tender as Baba is readied for sleep.
For families with elderly members, Madhyan or Dhoop Aarti is gentler on the body. Solo devotees who love quiet often pick Kakad. First-timers usually enjoy Dhoop Aarti most, since the evening light and music stay with you long after.
What Most Guides Get Wrong
Plenty of websites still print outdated details, so here is what is actually true on the ground. The biggest error involves the Kakad Aarti time. Many guides list it at 4:30 AM, yet the official programme now sets it at 5:15 AM.
Some sites also fix Dhoop Aarti at 6:30 PM. In reality, it follows sunset, so it moves earlier in winter and later in summer. Another common slip lists Shej Aarti at 10:30 PM, although the official time is 10:00 PM.
Watch out for overseas Sai temple schedules too. Timings for Sai temples in the United States or other cities differ completely from Shirdi. Always trust the Shirdi SSST portal for the real numbers.
Rules You Should Know Before You Go
Passes are non-transferable, so you cannot hand yours to someone else. Rescheduling is not allowed either, which means a missed slot is simply lost. The named devotee must attend in person and carry the booking ID. Senior citizens above 70 can usually bring one companion with a valid ID.
Reach the queue roughly 30 minutes before the aarti starts. Mobile phones, cameras and large bags stay outside the Samadhi Mandir. Lockers and cloakrooms near the temple hold your belongings for a small fee.
What to Expect During the Aarti
Once inside, you stand in a reserved area close to Baba’s samadhi. The priests sing the traditional aarti hymns, and the whole ritual runs for about 25 to 45 minutes. Madhyan Aarti tends to be the longest. During the aarti, general darshan pauses, so pass-holders get an unhurried view. If you are still planning your route in, our Shirdi airport to temple guide covers taxis, buses and travel time.
Before You Go
Booking ahead turns a stressful, queue-heavy trip into a calm one, and that is the real value of planning early. When you book Shirdi aarti online, confirm your aarti timings and pass price on the official SSST booking portal first, then pay only on that site. Carry the matching ID, reach the gate 30 minutes early, and keep both a printed and digital pass. For a quicker queue overall, you may also want our Shirdi VIP pass guide. With those basics sorted, your visit should run smoothly from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book Shirdi aarti online for the same day?
Same-day booking is sometimes possible if slots remain, yet it is risky. Popular aartis like Kakad and Shej often sell out a day or more ahead. Book early to be safe, especially on Thursdays and festival days.
How much does a Shirdi aarti pass cost?
A Kakad Aarti pass costs ₹600 per person, while Madhyan, Dhoop and Shej aarti passes cost ₹400 each. A small online reservation charge applies at checkout. Children under 12 enter free without a pass.
What is the official website to book Shirdi aarti online?
The only official website is online.sai.org.in, run by the Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust. Avoid agents or lookalike sites that charge extra. You can also book at the temple counter in person.
Which documents do I need for booking?
You need one valid government photo ID per adult, such as Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, passport or driving licence. A mobile number and email are required for the OTP and confirmation. Carry the same ID on the day of the aarti.
Are children allowed in the aarti?
Yes, children below 12 years can attend free and do not need a separate pass. They must stay with a booked adult throughout. Carry the child’s ID if available, although it is usually not mandatory.
Can I cancel or reschedule my aarti pass?
Rescheduling is not permitted once you book. Cancellation and refund rules vary, so check the policy on the portal before paying. A missed aarti slot is generally not refunded.
Do senior citizens get a special aarti pass?
Senior citizens can get special passes at the temple with a valid photo ID and physical presence. Those above 70 years may bring one companion. These passes are handled separately from the standard online aarti booking.
What time should I reach for the aarti?
Reach the queue about 30 minutes before the aarti begins. Gates close once the ritual starts, and latecomers cannot enter. Carry your printed pass and matching ID to avoid delays.
