In the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, the daily cycle of worship is defined by five distinct Aarties. These rituals represent the daily routine of a living Satguru from waking him up in the morning to lulling him to sleep at night.
Here is a detailed guide to the 5 Types of Aarti and their specific timings.
1. Kakad Aarti (The Morning Wake-up Call)
Timing: 4:30 AM โ 5:00 AM
The day begins with the Kakad Aarti. This ritual is performed to wake up Lord Sai from his sleep. The term “Kakad” refers to a torch made of cotton dipped in ghee.
- Significance: Devotees pray for the “Sun of Wisdom” to rise in their hearts.
- Ritual: During this time, the Udi (Sacred Ash) is collected from the Dhuni, and the Samadhi is bathed and dressed in fresh morning robes.
2. Holy Bath (Mangal Snan)
Timing: 5:05 AM โ 5:35 AM
While not technically one of the “four main musical Aarties,” the Mangal Snan is the most vital morning ritual.
- Ritual: The marble statue of Baba is bathed with milk, curd, honey, and fragrant water.
- Atmosphere: This is a serene time where Vedic chants fill the air, creating a powerful spiritual vibration.
3. Madhyan Aarti (The Noon Aarti)
Timing: 12:00 PM โ 12:30 PM
The Madhyan Aarti is the most grand and crowded Aarti of the day, signifying the high noon of spiritual power.
- Significance: It symbolizes the peak of the day’s activities. In Shirdi, the afternoon sun and the midday meal are offered to Baba as the head of the household.
- Atmosphere: The temple bells ring at their loudest, and thousands of devotees join in unison to sing the “Gheuni Pancharati.”
4. Dhoop Aarti (The Evening Aarti)
Timing: At Sunset (Approx. 6:00 PM โ 6:30 PM)
Performed exactly at sunset, the Dhoop Aarti is a beautiful transition from day to evening.
- Meaning: “Dhoop” refers to the incense offered to the Lord.
- Ritual: Devotees sing praises of Baba’s glory and ask for his protection as the light fades. This is the time when the “Palki” (Palanquin) procession is held every Thursday.
5. Shej Aarti (The Night Lullaby)
Timing: 10:30 PM โ 10:50 PM
The final ritual of the day is the Shej Aarti. It is the most emotional Aarti, where Baba is prepared for sleep.
- Significance: A mosquito net is lowered over the Samadhi, a glass of water is kept by his side, and a traditional bed is prepared in the Chavadi.
- Atmosphere: The songs are soft and melodic, acting as a lullaby to put the Master to rest. After this, silence is maintained in the temple complex until the next morning.
Summary of Timings
| Aarti Name | Timing | Purpose |
| Kakad Aarti | 4:30 AM | Waking the Lord |
| Mangal Snan | 5:05 AM | Ceremonial Bath |
| Madhyan Aarti | 12:00 PM | Noon Worship |
| Dhoop Aarti | Sunset | Evening Incense |
| Shej Aarti | 10:30 PM | Putting the Lord to sleep |
๐ก Tips for Devotees
- Online Booking: To witness these Aarties inside the Samadhi Mandir, you must book an “Aarti Pass” well in advance via the official Shirdi portal or shirditemple.com.
- Dress Code: Traditional attire is highly recommended. Men are encouraged to wear dhotis or kurtas, and women are encouraged to wear sarees or salwar kameez.
- Queue Time: For Madhyan and Kakad Aarti, devotees usually start queuing 2-3 hours in advance.
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