Why pilgrims come here
Sai Baba lived in Shirdi for most of his life, and the Samadhi Mandir built over his resting place is the focus of the pilgrimage. Dwarkamai, the mosque where he lived, and Chavadi, where he slept on alternate nights, are close by.
Most pilgrims also visit Shani Shingnapur, known for its houses without doors, and Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga near Nashik.
Darshan & aarti tips
- The Samadhi Mandir is open from early morning to late night, with four daily aartis (Kakad, Madhyan, Dhoop and Shej). Check current timings.
- Darshan passes and aarti passes can be booked on the temple trust's official website.
- Thursdays, weekends and festivals such as Ram Navami, Guru Purnima and Vijayadashami are especially crowded.
Timings change. Temple timings vary with seasons and festivals. Always confirm the day's darshan and aarti schedule with the temple's official sources before you travel. We'll plan your departure around it.
Also visit
- Dwarkamai and ChavadiSai Baba's mosque home and resting place, a short walk from the Samadhi Mandir.
- Shani ShingnapurAbout 70 km away, famous for its open-air Shani shrine.
- Trimbakeshwar JyotirlingaNear Nashik, about 120 km from Shirdi.
- Nashik Panchavati and RamkundSites linked to the Ramayana on the Godavari.
Suggested yatra plan from Rajkot
- Day 1Rajkot to Surat or Vapi (overnight halt).
- Day 2To Nashik, Trimbakeshwar darshan.
- Day 3To Shirdi, evening aarti.
- Day 4Morning darshan, Shani Shingnapur, start the return.
- Day 5Return to Rajkot.
This is a long journey from Rajkot. Many families fly or take a train for the long leg; others prefer one car and driver throughout. We plan daily driving limits and overnight halts so the yatra stays comfortable. Interstate permits and tolls are listed in the quote.
Travelling with elders
Most of our pilgrimage journeys include parents or grandparents, so we plan for their comfort first.
- Rest and meal stops planned for elders
- Drop points close to temple entrances where allowed
- Plans built around darshan and aarti timings
- Patient drivers who help with luggage