How Long Does Shirdi Darshan Take? Waiting Time Explained
Wondering how long Shirdi darshan takes? Learn exact waiting times for free darshan, paid darshan, weekdays, weekends, festivals, and best time slots.
SHIRDI & PILGRIMAGE
Anand Tiwari
1/22/20262 min read
One of the most common questions devotees ask before visiting Shirdi is, how long does Shirdi darshan take? Since Shirdi attracts lakhs of devotees daily, darshan time can vary widely based on crowd levels, day of visit, and the type of darshan chosen.
This article explains the average Shirdi darshan duration so you can plan your visit without stress.
Average Time for Shirdi Darshan
On a normal day, Shirdi darshan can take anywhere between 30 minutes to 4 hours. During peak seasons or festivals, the waiting time may extend further.
Here is a clear breakdown.
Free Darshan Waiting Time
Free darshan is the most common option and has the longest waiting period.
Weekdays: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Weekends: 2 to 4 hours
Festivals & Special Days: 4 to 8 hours or more
The waiting time depends heavily on crowd inflow, weather, and temple arrangements.
Paid (Sheeghra) Darshan Waiting Time
Paid darshan is designed to reduce waiting time.
Average time: 15 to 45 minutes
Maximum time: Around 1 hour during rush periods
Tickets must be booked in advance through the official temple system, and slots are limited.
Senior Citizen Darshan Time
Senior citizens are provided a separate queue and assistance.
Average waiting time: 15 to 30 minutes
Valid ID proof is required to access this facility.
Darshan Time During Aarti
Darshan time may increase if it overlaps with aarti rituals.
Kakad Aarti (Early Morning): Shorter queues afterward
Dhoop Aarti (Evening): Moderate waiting
Shej Aarti (Night): Longer waiting before closing
During aarti hours, darshan may pause briefly, affecting queue movement.
Best Time Slots for Faster Darshan
If you want quicker darshan, plan your visit during:
Early morning (4:00 AM to 7:00 AM)
Late night (after 9:30 PM)
Tuesday to Thursday (least crowded days)
Avoid afternoons, weekends, and Mondays if possible.
Festival Days Waiting Time
On major occasions like Ram Navami, Guru Purnima, and Vijayadashami, darshan waiting time can stretch from 8 to 12 hours. These days are spiritually significant but physically demanding.
Total Time to Plan for Shirdi Visit
Apart from darshan, consider extra time for:
Security checks
Walking between queue halls
Prasad collection
Visiting Dwarkamai and Chavadi
Overall, you should keep half a day free for a relaxed Shirdi visit, and a full day during peak periods.
So, how long does Shirdi darshan take?
On average, 1 to 3 hours on normal days, less than an hour with paid darshan, and several hours during festivals or weekends.
Planning your visit during off-peak hours and weekdays ensures a peaceful darshan experience and allows you to focus on devotion rather than waiting time.
Read More:
History of Shirdi before Sai Baba
Dwarkamai significance in Sai Baba's life
What is the Chavadi procession in Shirdi