Shani Shingnapur: Only Village Without House Doors

Shani Shingnapur Temple near Shirdi is a village located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India. It is known for its unique and ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shani, the Hindu god associated with the planet Saturn.

The Shani Shingnapur temple, which has gained popularity because it doesn’t contain any traditional idol or deity of Shanaiswara. In this temple, instead of an idol or deity, a simple stone platform exists under the sky. It is believed that the stone platform itself represents Shanaiswara and the devotees present their prayers and offerings directly to it.

Large number of devotees and visitors throng the temple and the village, especially on Saturdays, as it is believed to be the day dedicated to Lord Shani. The devotees perform the special rituals and prayers to seek the blessings and protection from Lord Shani. Annual festival is celebrated here with much excitement is Shani Amavasya.

Lord Shani Dev is the son of Suryadev (son of Brahma). When you visit this place, you see the idol which is 5 ½ feet in height and 1 ½ foot broad. The idol is made up of iron and stone. According to local people words, about 350 years ago Lord Shanidev came to this place and there were hardly 20-30 huts, full of jungle.

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History of Shani Shingnapur: 

Once there was a flood and the shrine started coming in with the flood. Once the people prodded with the shrine, they were shocked to see that there was blood oozing from it. However, we can still see a scar on the idol. People tried lifting the shrine but all their efforts went in vain.

The next day Shanidev came into the vision of the devotee and said “My son, you tried to lift me a lot, but in vain. Lift me those who are maternal uncle and nephew in relation and put me on berry snare. The condition is that bullocks should be black colored and maternal uncle and nephew in relation. Establish my idol with maternal uncle and nephew” The next day they did accordingly.

Miracles of Shani Shingnapur:

Lord Shanidev is so big that he cannot live under anybody’s shelter. Many Indians tried to build the roof on the head of the idol but their efforts went in vain.

You find houses with doorless – usually, doors are there to protect houses from thieves and robbers. But people believe that Shanidev is their protector. And he will punish those who burgle houses.

There are trees around the temple but shadeless – There was a neem tree at the north side of the terrace. One of the branches grown naturally and once the shade fell on the idol. The branch fell down without hurting any devotees.

Almost three decades ago the same neem tree was struck by lightning and thunder, meanwhile, marriage guests were finding shelter under the tree. It got damaged very badly but nobody got hurt. Once again it’s a miracle that it became greener than before.

Many of the astrologers mislead the people that Shanidev is the God who is playing with our bad luck and calamities and other evil effects. Honestly speaking, it’s the reality that one has to bear with all his bad deeds in life as well as good ones..

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Remedies associated with Shanidev:

Mantra Chanting: Chanting specific mantras particularly for Lord Shani, such as the Shani Beej Mantra (“Om Sham Shanicharaya Namah”) or the Shani Gayatri Mantra, is believed to be auspicious. Recitation of such mantras every day is believed to placate the entry of Lord Shani and reduce its negative impact.

Worship and Puja: One of the common remedies is daily worship and puja of Lord Shani. Worship involves offering prayers to God, lighting a mustard oil lamp, presenting black sesame seeds, and offering blue or black flowers to the deity.

Donation and Charity: Shani is considered to be working as the best medicine if one donates goods like black sesame seeds, black clothes, mustard oil, iron, or food items to the needy .

Black Wearing: Black or dark blue-coloured clothes are said to be worn on Saturdays devoted to Shani. It is considered auspicious; Lord Shani will be pleased and such bad effects of Saturn would be assuaged.

Fasting: Fast on Saturdays is generally observed to propitiate Lord Shani. Some keep a complete vrat while others just consume simple vegetarian food. Sesame seeds and urad dal preparations make the last food offerings before the breaking of the fast.

Remedial Poojas In extreme cases, one can adopt specific remedial poojas or rituals that are carried out by well-trained pundits or astrologers. Poojas vary person-to-person, depending on their horoscopes and the type of Shani dosha one is suffering from.

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Places to visit near Shani Shingnapur:

Shirdi: Shirdi Saibaba temple is a renowned pilgrimage town located approximately 70 kilometers from the temple. This place is famous because of the revered saint Sai Baba. Devotees of sai from all over the world visit Shirdi to seek blessings as the saint is said to bless his devotees from samadhi and experience the spiritual atmosphere.

Aurangabad: Aurangabad is a historical city located around 120 kilometers from Shingnapur. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and attractions like the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora Caves, showcasing ancient rock-cut Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain temples and artworks.

Grishneshwar Temple: Grishneshwar Temple, also known as the Ghrushneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, is an important religious site for Lord Shiva devotees. It is situated near Ellora Caves, around 120 kilometers from Shani Shingnapur. The temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India.

Daulatabad Fort: Located approximately 140 kilometers from Shani Shingnapur, Daulatabad Fort is a historic fortress built during the medieval period. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and features impressive architectural elements.

Ajanta Caves: Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a series of ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves with exquisite paintings and sculptures. They are located around 160 kilometers from Shani Shingnapur and are considered a masterpiece of ancient Indian art.

Ellora Caves: Situated around 160 kilometers from Shani Shingnapur, Ellora Caves is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It consists of rock-cut temples dedicated to Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain religions. The intricate carvings and architectural grandeur make it a must-visit destination.

Shani Shingnapur Temple why ladies not allowed (now they are allowed):

One cannot find an exception for women entering the inner sanctum of Shani Shingnapur Temple. The reason is an age-old tradition according to which women in their menstrual periods are believed to be impure. According to this, the presence of a woman may invite the wrath of Lord Shani, and thus result in bad luck for the village.

There is no scientific evidence that proves that women’s menstruation makes them impure. In fact, the phenomenon of menstruation is a natural and healthy bodily function. However, such a tradition not letting women enter the inner sanctum of the Shani Shingnapur Temple still holds itself good in most people of the village till today.

Recently, there have been several protests against the ban of the entry of women to the inner sanctum of Shani Shingnapur Temple. Apparently, some women’s rights activists have argued that the ban is discriminatory and violates the Indian Constitution. Temple authorities, however, do not budge and say that the matters of religious faith cannot be changed.

It would not be suitable to give an easy answer to this very complex issue of ban on women entering the inner sanctum of Shani Shingnapur Temple. Of course, the feeling that ‘people respect religious beliefs’ is important, yet another need of equality and fairness for everyone as well.

FAQ:

What is Shani Shingnapur Temple?

Shani Shingnapur Temple is the Hindu temple of Lord Shani, also known as the deity of the planet Saturn. The temple is noticeable for the peculiar ritual in which the devotees offer their prayers to a giant black stone carved figure of Lord Shani without even any roof or a temple structure.

Where is located Shani Shingnapur Temple?

The Shani Shingnapur Temple is located at Shingnapur in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India.

What is the importance of Shani Shingnapur Temple?

The temple is believed to be a very powerful worship place for Lord Shani, holding the belief of saving people from the negative effects that are associated with the planet Saturn. What distinguishes the temple is that there is no roof made by tradition over the idol of Lord Shani and is kept open.

How to reach Shani Shingnapur Temple?

The temple is well connected through roads. The nearest railway station to the place is Ahmednagar, and the nearest airport is Aurangabad Airport. It can easily be accessed from major cities in Maharashtra.

What is its Architecture?

The temple does not have a traditional structure like most other Hindu temples. Under the open sky, there is a raised platform on which Lord Shani’s black stone idol is kept, and there are simple shrine buildings where the devotees can present their prayers and light lamps.

Is the temple associated with any specific rituals or festivals?

Abhishek (ritual bathing) is done with oil, black clothes are offered along with sesame seeds and sweets to Lord Shani. There is very great footfall during Saturdays in the temple, which falls on the day of Lord Shani.

Is the temple open to tourists and non-Hindus?

Yes, tourists, people of all faiths allowed inside the temple. It does not discriminate between any religions or faiths.

Are there any facilities for pilgrims and tourists?

Shani Shingnapur provides simple shelters or lodging houses for pilgrims and tourists.

What else is worth visiting near Shani Shingnapur?

Famous for the temple itself, nearby attractions include the city of Ahmednagar and the Ellora and Ajanta Caves.

Would there be an especially formal dress code to visit the temple?

Although it might not really be very much of a formal dress code, it would always be wise to dress modestly and with respect during such a visit to a temple, as in most of the religious areas within India.

How to reach Shani Shingnapur:

By Air:

The nearest airport: Aurangabad Airport.

Distance: approximately 90 kilometers.

By Train:

The closest railway station: Ahmednagar Railway Station.

Distance: approximately 40 kilometers.

By Road:

Shani Shingnapur is well-connected by road, and buses and taxis are available from nearby cities.

From Shirdi: approximately 70 kilometers.

From Aurangabad: around 120 kilometers.

From Pune: about 200 kilometers.

From Mumbai: approximately 350 kilometers.