आरती · Sai Baba
Sai Baba Aarti
साईं बाबा आरती
The Sai Baba Aarti ("Arati Sai Baba") is the official devotional aarti sung four times daily at the Shirdi Sai Sansthan temple in Shirdi, Maharashtra — at dawn (Kakad Aarti), midday (Madhyahna Aarti), sunset (Dhupa Aarti), and at night (Shej Aarti). Composed in Marathi and compiled by Shama (Madhavrao Deshpande), one of Sai Baba's closest devotees, this aarti was sung in Baba's presence during his lifetime (he left his body in 1918). Sai Baba of Shirdi (c. 1838–1918) was a spiritual master venerated equally by Hindus and Muslims; he taught the unity of all religions and his teaching was summed up in two phrases: "Shraddha" (faith) and "Saburi" (patience). This aarti captures his divine nature as a satguru — a perfect teacher — who guides souls to liberation.
Marathi · 5 stanzas
Frequently Asked Questions about Sai Baba Aarti
Who was Shirdi Sai Baba?
Shirdi Sai Baba (c. 1838–1918) was a spiritual master who lived in the small village of Shirdi in Maharashtra, India, for most of his life. His origins are unknown — he appeared in Shirdi as a young man and never revealed his birth name, parents, or religion with certainty. He was venerated equally by Hindus and Muslims: he lived in a mosque (which he called Dwarkamai), regularly maintained a sacred fire (dhuni), used the Islamic phrase "Allah Malik" (God is the master), while also performing Hindu rituals and teachings. His core teaching was: "Sabka Malik Ek" — The master (God) of all is One. Today he is worshipped by tens of millions across the world.
When is the Sai Baba Aarti performed at Shirdi?
The Shirdi Sai Sansthan performs this aarti four times daily: Kakad Aarti at 5:30 AM (dawn), Madhyahna Aarti at 12:00 noon, Dhupa Aarti at sunset around 6:00 PM, and Shej Aarti at 10:30 PM (before Baba's "sleep"). This four-time aarti schedule was established during Baba's own lifetime and continues unbroken since his mahasamadhi in 1918. The Kakad Aarti in particular recreates the morning ritual of waking Baba as if he were still physically present.
What is Sai Baba's teaching about faith and patience?
Sai Baba's entire teaching can be compressed into two words: "Shraddha" (श्रद्धा — faith) and "Saburi" (सबुरी — patience). These were the two words he most frequently used with devotees. Shraddha means complete faith in the Guru and in God — not blind belief but a living trust that arises from experience. Saburi means patient, steady perseverance — the willingness to wait for divine grace without losing faith. He is also famous for saying "Sabka Malik Ek" (God is One for all) and "Allah Malik" (God is the master) — emphasizing unity of religions over sectarian differences.
What are the four Sai Baba aartis performed at Shirdi?
The four aartis follow the pattern of treating Sai Baba's samadhi as his living presence: (1) Kakad Aarti (dawn) — waking Baba and starting the day; (2) Madhyahna Aarti (noon) — midday worship with the "Madhyahna Arati" text; (3) Dhupa Aarti (evening) — the most elaborate aarti with the "Arati Sai Baba" main hymn, incense offerings, and the largest congregation; (4) Shej Aarti (night) — putting Baba to "sleep." The Thursday evening Dhupa Aarti is particularly crowded as Thursday (Guruvar) is considered Baba's most auspicious day.
Is Sai Baba considered Hindu or Muslim?
Sai Baba transcends this classification — he is revered by both Hindus and Muslims and deliberately refused to identify exclusively with either tradition. He wore the long robe (kafni) and cap of a Muslim fakir, lived in a mosque, and used Islamic phrases constantly. At the same time, he was deeply versed in Hindu scriptures, performed Hindu rituals, was worshipped as an avatar by many, and is identified with Dattatreya (the deity of the guru tradition) in some traditions. He actively discouraged sectarian thinking and insisted that all paths lead to the same God. Today he is worshipped in a way that transcends religious boundaries, with his picture found in homes of all faiths.