Shani Shingnapur: Only Village With No Doors To Houses

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 is famous for the fact that it does not have a traditional idol or deity of Shanaiswara. Instead, it has a simple stone platform representing the god, which is open to the sky. Devotees believe that the stone platform itself represents Shanaiswara and offer their prayers and offerings directly to it.

The temple and the village attract a large number of devotees and visitors, especially on Saturdays, which is considered the day dedicated to Lord Shani. Devotees often perform special rituals and prayers to seek blessings and protection from Lord Shani. The temple is also known for its annual festival, Shani Amavasya, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm.

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.

History of Shani Shingnapur:

Once there was a flood, and a shrine came flowing along with the flood. When locals poked the shrine they were surprised to see blood oozing out. Still, we can see a scar on the idol. People tried to lift 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 great 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.

Near 30 years ago the same neem tree came into contact with thunder and lightning, at the same time guests of marriage were taking shelter beneath the tree. Unfortunately, the tree was severely damaged but no one got hurt. Again it’s a miracle that the tree grew as green as before.

Many astrologers misguide people that Shanidev is the God who is behind our misfortunes, calamities and other ill effects. Actually, it’s the truth that a person has to suffer all his bad deeds and good deeds in his life.

Remedies associated with Shanidev:

Mantra Chanting: Chanting specific mantras dedicated to Lord Shani, such as the Shani Beej Mantra (“Om Sham Shanicharaya Namah”) or the Shani Gayatri Mantra, is considered beneficial. Regular recitation of these mantras is believed to pacify Shani and reduce the impact of its negative influences.

Worship and Puja: Performing regular worship and puja to Lord Shani is a common remedy. This involves offering prayers, lighting a lamp with mustard oil, offering black sesame seeds, and presenting blue or black flowers to the deity.

Donating and Charity: Engaging in acts of charity is considered a powerful remedy for Shani. Donating items like black sesame seeds, black clothes, mustard oil, iron, or food to the needy is believed to appease Shani.

Wearing Black: Wearing black or dark blue-colored clothes on Saturdays, the day associated with Shani, is considered auspicious. It is believed to appease Lord Shani and mitigate the negative effects of Saturn.

Fasting: Observing a fast on Saturdays is a common practice to please Lord Shani. Some people observe a complete fast, while others consume a simple vegetarian diet. The fast is often concluded by consuming food prepared with black lentils (urad dal) and sesame seeds.

Remedial Poojas: In severe cases, individuals may choose to perform specific remedial poojas or rituals conducted by qualified priests or astrologers. These rituals vary based on individual horoscopes and the nature of the Shani dosha (affliction) they may be experiencing.

Read More>> Shakti Peethas: The Power of Shakti

What are the other attractions around Shani Shingnapur?

Places to visit near Shani Shingnapur:

Shirdi: Shirdi Saibaba temple is a renowned pilgrimage town located approximately 70 kilometers from temple. It is famous for the shrine of the revered saint Sai Baba. Devotees from all over the world visit Shirdi to seek blessings 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:

Women are not allowed to enter the inner sanctum of the Shani Shingnapur Temple. This is due to a long-standing tradition that says that women’s menstruation makes them impure and that their presence could anger Lord Shani and bring misfortune to the village.

There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that women’s menstruation makes them impure. In fact, menstruation is a natural and healthy bodily function. However, the tradition of banning women from the inner sanctum of the Shani Shingnapur Temple is still upheld by many people in the village.

In recent years, there have been a number of protests against the ban on women entering the inner sanctum of the Shani Shingnapur Temple. Some women’s rights activists have argued that the ban is discriminatory and violates the Indian Constitution. However, the temple authorities have refused to lift the ban, saying that it is a matter of religious faith.

The ban on women entering the inner sanctum of the Shani Shingnapur Temple is a complex issue with no easy answers. On the one hand, it is important to respect people’s religious beliefs. On the other hand, it is also important to ensure that everyone is treated equally and fairly.tunesharemore_vert

Can tourists and non-Hindus visit the temple?

FAQ:

What is Shani Shingnapur Temple?

Shani Shingnapur Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shani, known as the deity of the planet Saturn. It is famous for the unique tradition where devotees offer prayers to a large black stone idol of Lord Shani without a roof or a temple structure.

Where is Shani Shingnapur Temple located?

The temple is located in the village of Shingnapur in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India.

What is the significance of Shani Shingnapur Temple?

The temple is considered a powerful place of worship for Lord Shani, believed to protect devotees from malefic effects associated with the planet Saturn. The unique aspect of the temple is that there is no traditional roof over the idol of Lord Shani, and it’s placed in the open.

How to reach Shani Shingnapur Temple?

Shani Shingnapur is well-connected by road. The nearest railway station is Ahmednagar, and the nearest airport is Aurangabad Airport. It can be reached from major cities in Maharashtra.

What is the architecture of the temple?

The temple does not have the traditional structure seen in most Hindu temples. The black stone idol of Lord Shani is placed on a raised platform under the open sky, and there is a simple shrine building where devotees can offer prayers and light lamps.

Are there any rituals or festivals associated with the temple?

Devotees perform Abhishek (ritual bathing) of the idol with oil and offer black clothes, sesame seeds, and sweets to Lord Shani. The temple sees a significant footfall on Saturdays, which is considered the day of Lord Shani.

Can tourists and non-Hindus visit the temple?

Yes, tourists and people of all faiths are welcome to visit the temple. There are no restrictions based on religion or faith.

Is there accommodation available for pilgrims and tourists?

Shani Shingnapur offers basic accommodation options, including guesthouses and lodges, to cater to the needs of pilgrims and tourists.

What are the other attractions around Shani Shingnapur?

The village of Shingnapur is primarily known for the temple, but there are other places of interest nearby, including the city of Ahmednagar and the Ellora and Ajanta Caves.

Is there a specific dress code for visiting the temple?

While there may not be a strict dress code, it’s advisable to dress modestly and respectfully when visiting the temple, as is customary in most Indian religious places.

How to reach Shani Shingnapur:

By Air:

The nearest airport to Shani Shingnapur is Aurangabad Airport, which is approximately 90 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Shani Shingnapur.

By Train:

The closest railway station to Shani Shingnapur is the Ahmednagar Railway Station, located approximately 40 kilometers away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Shani Shingnapur.

By Road:

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

From Shirdi: Shani Shingnapur is approximately 70 kilometers from Shirdi. Regular bus services and taxis are available from Shirdi to reach Shani Shingnapur.

From Aurangabad: Shani Shingnapur is around 120 kilometers from Aurangabad. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Aurangabad to reach Shani Shingnapur.

From Pune: Shani Shingnapur is about 200 kilometers from Pune. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from Pune to reach Shani Shingnapur.

From Mumbai: Shani Shingnapur is approximately 350 kilometers from Mumbai. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from Mumbai to reach Shani Shingnapur.

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