Visiting the sacred abode of Shri Sai Baba in Shirdi is a deeply spiritual experience for millions of devotees worldwide. Here you can get the requirements for entering Sai Baba temple. These requirements cover everything from personal conduct to booking procedures, aiming to maintain the sanctity of the shrine and manage the large crowds it attracts.
General Entry and Access
No General Entry Fee: The primary darshan (viewing) of Sai Baba’s Samadhi (tomb) in the main temple is generally free for all devotees. You can join the general queue for darshan without any charge.
Identity Proof: It is advisable to carry a valid government-issued photo ID (such as an Aadhar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, or Driving License). While not always checked for general darshan, it is often required for online bookings, VIP passes, and accommodation.
Timings: The Shirdi Sai Baba Temple operates for long hours, typically from 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM. However, these timings can be subject to slight changes during festivals, special occasions, or due to unforeseen circumstances. It’s always wise to check the official Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust website (sai.org.in) for the most up-to-date schedule, including Aarti timings.
Crowd Management: Shirdi is one of India’s busiest pilgrimage sites, especially on Thursdays (considered Sai Baba’s holy day), weekends, and during major festivals like Ram Navami, Guru Purnima, and Dussehra. Be prepared for long queues, which can range from one to six hours depending on the crowd. The temple management has implemented various measures to manage these crowds efficiently.
Dress Code
While there isn’t a strict, mandatory uniform, the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust encourages devotees to adhere to a “civilized dress code” out of respect for the sanctity of the temple. This request, in place for many years, emphasizes modesty and cultural appropriateness.
- For Men and Boys: Shorts are generally not allowed inside the main temple. Devotees wearing shorts may be asked to cover them with a dhoti or similar attire provided by the temple or to change into more appropriate clothing. It is recommended to wear full pants, traditional Indian attire like kurtas and pyjamas, or other modest clothing that covers legs below the knees and arms at least till the elbows.
- For Women and Girls: Short dresses, skirts (especially above the knee), sleeveless tops, and revealing clothes are generally discouraged. It is advised to wear traditional Indian attire such as sarees, salwar kameez, or other modest clothing that covers the legs properly and ensures arms are covered till the elbows.
- Children: While there are no specific restrictions for very young children, it is still advisable to dress them modestly.
The intent behind these guidelines is to maintain a respectful and spiritual atmosphere, aligning with the traditional norms of Indian temples.
Online Booking and Paid Services
To manage crowds and offer convenience, the Sansthan provides online booking options for various services:
- Paid Darshan: For those wishing to avoid long queues, a VIP or Paid Darshan pass can be booked online for a nominal fee (e.g., ₹200). This allows access through a separate, faster queue.
- Aarti Passes: Participation in the daily Aartis (morning Kakad Aarti, noon Madhyan Aarti, evening Dhoop Aarti, and night Shej Aarti) often requires a paid pass, which can also be booked online. The prices vary for different aartis (e.g., ₹600 for Kakad Aarti, ₹400 for others).
- Accommodation: The Sansthan provides its own accommodation facilities, which can also be booked online, often up to 60 days in advance.
- Pooja and Other Services: Bookings for various pujas and offerings can also be made through the official website.
Online Booking Process:
- Visit the official website
- Devotees with an Indian mobile number can log in using their mobile number and OTP. Others may need to register with an email ID.
- Update personal details including name, age, and a valid photo ID proof.
- Select the desired service (Darshan, Aarti, Accommodation, Pooja).
- Choose the date and time slot.
- Make the payment online.
- Download and print the e-pass/confirmation.
- Carry the printout along with the original ID proof mentioned during booking for verification at the temple gate.
It’s important to note that the Sansthan does not authorize any agents for online bookings, so always use the official website to avoid scams.
Prohibited Items and Conduct
To maintain safety and sanctity within the temple premises, certain items and activities are prohibited:
- Electronic Devices: Mobile phones, cameras, and other electronic gadgets are generally not allowed inside the main Samadhi Mandir and Dwarkamai areas. Lockers are available near the entry gates to safely store your belongings.
- Footwear: Footwear must be removed before entering the temple complex. Dedicated shoe racks are available for storage.
- Pets: Pets are strictly prohibited inside the temple premises.
- Food and Drink: Eating in the main mandir area is not allowed. While cooked prasadam (offerings) are accepted, bringing uncooked food (unless for annadhan), leftover food, or previously offered food is discouraged.
- Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drugs: The temple premises are strictly drug-free, alcohol-free, and tobacco-free zones.
- Loud Noise and Disruptive Behavior: Devotees are expected to maintain silence and refrain from any activity that may disrupt temple rituals or other devotees. Running around, especially by children, in the main temple area is discouraged.
- Solicitation: Any form of business, publicity, or solicitation is strictly prohibited within the temple premises.
Health and Safety Guidelines (Especially Post-Pandemic)
While major COVID-19 restrictions have been eased, it is prudent for devotees to remain aware of general health and safety practices. At certain times, based on public health advisories, the temple management may recommend or mandate:
- Mask Usage: While not universally mandatory at present, masks may be recommended, especially for vulnerable groups like senior citizens or those with pre-existing conditions.
- Social Distancing: Maintaining a reasonable distance from other devotees, particularly in queues, is a good practice.
- Hand Hygiene: Using hand sanitizers (often available at temple entrances) before entering the Mandir is advisable.
Devotees with comorbidities, pregnant women, and young children are often advised to exercise extra caution during crowded times. It is always best to check the official Sansthan communications for any prevailing health guidelines before your visit.
Offerings and Rituals
- Offerings: Devotees can offer flowers, garlands, coconuts, and sweets, which can be purchased from shops around the temple. Specific types of garlands may have size or specification requirements if you wish to offer them directly to Baba’s idol.
- Dress for Baba: Devotees can offer a dress for Sai Baba in the Main Mandir or Gurusthan on a first-come, first-served basis, except on festival days. There is a strict color pattern followed for each day of the week, and specifications for the dress must be met. It’s best to contact the priest in advance for availability and guidelines.
- Aarti Books: Aarti books/sheets are available for use and should be returned after use.
By understanding and adhering to these requirements and guidelines, devotees can ensure a respectful, spiritually enriching, and smooth pilgrimage to the sacred Shirdi Sai Baba Temple. The essence of the visit lies in devotion, faith, and patience (Shraddha and Saburi), which Sai Baba himself emphasized throughout his life.
For more details stay tuned Sai Prashnavali.
