New VIP Darshan Policy at Sai Baba Temple
• Shirdi Sai Baba Temple Rolls Out Donation-Based Services
• Sai Devotees Get VIP Access by Donation Tier
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
Contact: +91 9322755098
Sprouts News Exclusive
Contact: +91 9322755098
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple introduces a tiered VIP service system, offering special darshan and aarti passes based on donation amounts. High-value donors receive enhanced privileges, including protocol-level access and annual rituals. The initiative, reported by Sprouts News, aims to reward contributions with structured benefits and improved spiritual access for devotees.
In a landmark decision by the Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Trust, devotees offering monetary donations at the Shirdi temple will now receive tiered access to VIP services based on their contribution amount. This move, formalized in a recent trust meeting, aims to streamline and reward generous donations with spiritual privileges and improved access to temple rituals.
The newly introduced system ensures that apart from the four major annual festivals, donors will be categorized into slabs, each entitled to specific temple services. Devotees from the families of Sai Baba’s contemporaries will also be honored under this revised structure, as confirmed by Goraksh Gadilkar, Chief Executive Officer of the Sansthan.
VIP Darshan and Aarti Passes Now Linked to Donation Amounts
Under the new policy, devotees donating between INR 10,000 and INR 25,000 will receive one lifetime VIP aarti pass for five family members. Donations ranging from INR 25,000 to INR 50,000 will entitle the donor to two VIP darshan and aarti passes, again applicable to five family members. Those contributing between INR 50,000 and INR 1 lakh will be eligible for two annual VIP aarti passes.
The implementation will be supported by a digital system where donor data will be securely stored and referenced for benefit eligibility. The temple administration has confirmed that this system is currently under development and will be operational shortly.
High-Value Donors to Receive Enhanced Temple Privileges
Donors contributing over INR 1 lakh will enjoy additional benefits, including two VIP aarti passes in the first year and one each subsequent year. They will also be granted lifetime access once annually for darshan through the paid queue for five family members.
For donations between INR 10 lakh and INR 50 lakh, donors will receive two VIP aarti passes annually and one protocol-level darshan pass for five family members each year. Additionally, they will have the rare opportunity to present ceremonial robes to Sai Baba once a year—a symbolic honor reflecting deep devotion.
Ultra-high donations exceeding INR 50 lakh will be recognized with three VVIP aarti passes annually. These donors and their families will also be provided with two protocol-level VVIP darshan passes every year, reserved for top-tier contributors.
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Temple Urges Prior Notification for Seamless Access to Benefits
To facilitate a smooth experience, the Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Trust has advised donors to inform the temple administration at least one month in advance of their visit. This ensures timely allocation of passes and access arrangements for eligible family members.
Gadilkar emphasized the institution’s readiness to honor commitments and streamline benefits for those contributing to the temple’s upkeep and development. As the program is phased in, it is expected to increase transparency, devotee satisfaction, and overall operational efficiency.
Sprouts News notes that this new donor-focused structure marks a strategic shift in temple management, bridging tradition and modern governance. With improved service models and a tech-driven verification process, Shirdi could set a precedent for other religious institutions across India.
Sprouts News will continue monitoring the rollout and public response to this significant policy transformation.
