Many first-time pilgrims don’t know about this, and end up paying for restaurant meals right next to a kitchen that serves thousands every day — for free. The Sai Baba Sansthan runs Shri Sainath Prasadalaya, one of Shirdi’s most special facilities. Simple, hygienic, sattvik meals. Completely free. Here is everything you need to know before you go.
Dinner: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Inside the hall
Seating is in long rows in a large hall. The hall holds 500–600 people at a time, and your turn usually comes within 30–45 minutes. There is a separate arrangement for senior citizens and people with disabilities — just ask the volunteer at the entrance.
Small things that help
- Carry a water bottle — refill stations are available inside the hall.
- Go straight after darshan. The 12–1 PM lunch window is the most crowded.
- After 2:30 PM is usually quieter — the wait drops to 10–15 minutes.
- Kids get a full plate, so don’t worry about portion size.
For a first-time pilgrim, this meal often becomes one of the most memorable parts of the yatra — not because of the food itself, but because of who you sit next to. Families from every state of India, eating the same plate, in silence, after darshan.
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When did you first eat at the prasadalaya? Tell us in the comments. 🙏