Donating Rs 10,000 at Shirdi Temple Now Grants VIP Aarti Entry
Shirdi, 14th May 2025: In a notable update to its donation structure, the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust in Shirdi has announced that devotees contributing ₹10,000 or more will now be eligible for VIP aarti privileges, significantly lowering the threshold from the earlier ₹25,000 limit.
The decision aims to widen access to special worship opportunities while promoting more participation in temple donations. Trust officials said the policy overhaul draws inspiration from the practices followed at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.
“This step is about making the VIP aarti experience accessible to more devotees, not just large donors,” said a senior Sansthan official. “We believe devotion should be inclusive, and this revised structure balances that with sustaining temple services through donations.”
Revised VIP Aarti Eligibility Based on Donation Slabs:
₹10,000 to ₹50,000: One VIP aarti pass valid for up to five family members.
₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh: Donors get two VIP aarti passes and one VIP darshan annually for five members.
₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh: Eligible for two VIP aartis and lifetime annual VIP darshan (one visit per year).
₹10 lakh to ₹15 lakh: Entitled to two aartis per year and annual lifetime VIP darshan for five family members.
Above ₹50 lakh: Beneficiaries will receive three VIP aartis and twice-yearly lifetime VIP darshan for their families.
Inclusivity Push
In an effort to include those from the general devotee line, the trust will also allow two early entrants from the regular queue each day to participate in the VIP aarti, on a selection basis.
“We want every Sai devotee to feel valued. This symbolic gesture is our way of staying connected to devotees beyond the financial aspect,” the official added.
The trust believes the updated policy will streamline fundraising efforts while enhancing the spiritual experience for those who offer support to the temple’s maintenance and community services.
The new policy is now in effect, and temple authorities hope it will generate both goodwill and sustained support for the revered shrine.
