Darshan Timings & Daily Schedule

The daily rhythm of worship at Baba Garibnath Temple has been refined over generations. Whether you are coming for a quiet weekday morning or arriving on the busiest night of Mahashivratri, this page tells you exactly what is happening at the temple at any given hour, when each of the day's six aartis takes place, when the special pujas are conducted, and how to plan a fulfilling visit.

Standard Daily Timings

The temple is open to devotees every single day of the year — there are no weekly closures. The sanctum doors open at first light and close after the evening aarti and the offering of prashad.

The Six Daily Aartis

The temple follows a six-aarti tradition that frames the day with ceremonial worship of Baba ji and Mahadev. Each aarti is roughly 20 to 30 minutes long. Devotees are welcome to attend any or all of them.

• Mangla Aarti — 5:00 AM: The temple's first ceremony of the day, performed before sunrise. Bells, conch, and the sound of the bhajan-kirtan tradition wake the dham. The Akhand Dhuna is freshly stoked, the idol of Baba ji is bathed and adorned, and the day's first lamp is lit.
• Shringar Aarti — 7:00 AM: Following the morning bath of the deity, special vastra (cloth), chandan (sandal paste), flowers and a fresh garland are offered. This is the aarti that draws the most morning devotees.
• Madhyahna Aarti — 12:30 PM: The midday aarti, performed at the time when the bhog (the day's food offering) is presented to Baba ji. After the aarti, prashad is distributed.
• Madhyahna Bhog Closing — 1:30 PM: The sanctum doors close briefly for an hour or so. Devotees can rest, take langar, and walk the temple grounds.
• Sandhya Aarti — 6:30 PM (varies seasonally): The evening aarti, performed at sunset. This is widely considered the most beautiful aarti of the day — the lamps are lit just as the daylight fades, the lake outside reflects the saffron sky, and the bells echo across the water.
• Shayan Aarti — 7:45 PM: The "rest" aarti, before the temple closes for the night. The deity is offered a final lamp, the Akhand Dhuna is gently banked, and the sanctum doors are closed for the night.

The exact timings of the Sandhya and Shayan aartis shift slightly across the year, by approximately twenty to thirty minutes, in alignment with the changing time of sunset. In the deep winter months (December–January), the temple may close as early as 7:30 PM. In the long days of June, the evening aarti may be performed closer to 7:00 PM and closing pushed to 8:30 PM.

Seasonal Variations

Monsoon Months (July to September)

During the rainy season, when the lower floor of the temple is submerged in the rising waters of Govind Sagar, the entire ritual schedule continues without interruption — but the access route changes. Devotees reach the temple by boat, which takes 10 to 15 minutes from the makeshift ghat near Andrauli. Boats run roughly from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM in this season; arrive a little earlier than usual to allow time for the ride. The morning aarti remains accessible to those staying overnight in the dharmshala.

Mahashivratri (February or March)

On the night of Mahashivratri, the temple stays open through the entire night. Four prahar pujas — one for each watch of the night — are performed continuously from sunset on the eve of the festival until sunrise the next day. See our Festivals page for the complete schedule.

Shravan Month (July to August)

During the holy month of Shravan, the temple sees vast numbers of devotees, especially on every Monday (Sawan ka Somvar). On these Mondays, the temple opens at 4:00 AM, and an additional Rudrabhishek ceremony is held at 5:30 AM for devotees who have booked it in advance.

Best Time of Day to Visit

If you can choose your hour, the temple has three distinct moods worth recommending:

• 5:00 AM – 7:00 AM (Quietest): The morning aartis and a near-empty sanctum. Ideal for prolonged darshan and quiet meditation in the courtyard. The lake mist is at its loveliest at this hour.
• 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Bhog & Langar): The midday aarti is followed by the langar service. Best if you wish to combine darshan with prashad and a meal.
• 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Most Atmospheric): The Sandhya Aarti at sunset is widely considered the temple's most beautiful ritual. The lamps reflect on the water, the bells carry across the open lake, and the saffron sky over the Shivaliks completes the scene.

Best Days to Visit

The temple is open every day, but certain days carry particular spiritual weight:

• Monday (Somvar): Lord Shiva's day. Generally busier, with the Rudrabhishek option in the morning.
• Pradosh (the 13th lunar day, twice a month): A particularly auspicious time for Shiva worship. Special evening aarti.
• Mahashivratri: The single most important night of the temple's year (see Festivals).
• Sawan ka Somvar (Mondays of Shravan): Each Monday in the holy month draws large numbers of pilgrims.

If you prefer a quieter darshan, weekdays (Tuesday-Friday) outside of festival times are uncrowded, and you can spend an unhurried morning at the temple.

Important Notes for Devotees

• There is no entry fee. The temple is open to all, free of charge, regardless of religion.
• There is no compulsory donation. Devotees may offer what they wish at the donation counter; no minimum is required and no pressure is applied.
• Photography is permitted in the outer courtyard but is requested to be limited inside the sanctum during aarti.
• Footwear is to be left at the dedicated counter outside the courtyard.
• Modest dress is expected. See our Temple Guide for detailed etiquette.
• Free langar is served daily; devotees are warmly welcome to eat. Volunteer participation in langar seva is welcomed.

॥ हर हर महादेव ॥

How to Reach the Temple Festival Schedule