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Amit Khanna Staff answered 2 months ago
The Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in Shirdi, Maharashtra, is a prominent pilgrimage site. Here are the relevant details for first-time visitors:
Timings and Visiting Hours:
Darshan Timings:
Morning:
4:00 AM to 5:00 AM – Kakad Aarti (Morning Aarti)
5:00 AM to 6:00 AM – General Darshan
Afternoon:
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM – Noon Aarti
Evening:
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM – Shej Aarti (Evening Aarti)
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM – General Darshan
Temple Closure:
Between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM – The temple is closed for a break.
Between 9:00 PM and 4:00 AM – The temple remains closed overnight.
Special Aartis:
Shirdi Sai Baba’s birthday and Thursday evenings are special days with additional rituals and crowded darshan times.
Important Details for First-Time Visitors:
Entry:
There is no entry fee to visit the temple. However, donations are welcome and can be made at designated counters.
Dress Code:
Modest attire is recommended. Both men and women should cover their shoulders and avoid wearing short skirts or shorts.
Footwear must be removed before entering the temple premises.
Facilities:
Prasad (Offering): You can buy prasad from the stalls outside the temple. It is offered to devotees during darshan.
Langar (Free Meal): A free meal (langar) is available at the temple for devotees, typically served between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
Crowd Management:
The temple can be very crowded, especially on Thursdays and during festivals. Visiting early in the morning or late in the evening can help avoid long queues.
Accommodation:
Shirdi offers various accommodation options ranging from budget to luxury hotels. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Travel Tips:
Local Transport: Shirdi is well-connected by road and rail. You can hire taxis, auto-rickshaws, or use public buses.
Nearby Attractions: You might also explore other nearby sites such as the Dwarkamai Masjid and the Sai Baba Museum.
These details should help make your visit to the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple smooth and fulfilling.