Ordinary darshan at Shirdi is free, and you do not have to book it.
If you want to save time or attend a specific aarti, you can book online on the official site of the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, sai.org.in. The trust runs one official booking system for paid quick darshan, aarti passes, rooms, poojas, donations, and prasad. Please book only there, because many private sites resell these at a markup.
Is booking needed
- No, for ordinary darshan. You can simply join the free darshan queue during temple hours.
- Yes, if you want a paid quick darshan, a place at a particular aarti, a room in a trust guest house, or a specific pooja. Those are booked online in advance.
Free darshan
Ordinary darshan is free and open to all through the regular queue. On busy days the queue can be long, which is why some pilgrims choose a paid quick darshan instead.
Paid quick darshan
The trust offers a paid darshan option that gives a quicker path than the free queue. You book it online in advance for a chosen day. The charge is modest and is set by the trust. Take the current amount from the official site at booking. [Paid darshan fee to confirm on the official site. Last checked 13 September 2026.]
Aarti passes
Shirdi has set daily aartis, including the early morning Kakad aarti, the noon Madhyan aarti, the evening Dhoop aarti, and the night Shej aarti. Places at the aartis are limited, so passes are booked in advance on the official site. Some aarti passes carry a charge. Book early, because the popular aartis fill fast. [Aarti pass charges and slots to confirm on the official site. Last checked 13 September 2026.]
Rooms and guest houses
The trust runs its own accommodation near the temple, from simple dormitories to rooms, booked online on the official site. This is usually better value and closer than private hotels for a short visit. [Room types and charges to confirm on the official site. Last checked 13 September 2026.]
What it costs
- Ordinary darshan: free.
- Paid quick darshan, some aarti passes, rooms, poojas, and prasad: each has its own charge, shown on the official site at booking.
Documents you need
- A government photo identity for each person, matching the booking. Indians can use Aadhaar. Visitors from abroad use a passport.
- A working mobile number and email for the booking and the pass.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Paying a private site a markup for what the trust sells directly. Only sai.org.in and its official booking portal are genuine.
- Thinking you must book to have darshan. Ordinary darshan is free.
- Leaving aarti passes to the last minute, when they are gone.
- A name on the pass not matching the identity you carry.
- Booking a room on a look alike site instead of the trust site.
Questions people ask
Is Shirdi darshan free?
Yes. Ordinary darshan is free through the regular queue. Paid quick darshan is an optional faster route.
What is the official website?
sai.org.in, the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, with its official online booking portal.
Do I need to book an aarti?
Yes, if you want a place at a specific aarti, because seats are limited. Book in advance on the official site.
Can I book a room at the temple?
Yes, the trust runs its own accommodation, booked online on the official site.
Can overseas devotees book?
Yes, on the same official site, using a passport as identity proof.