Shani Shingnapur – शनि शिंगणापुर

Introduction – परिचय

In India, many religious sites are famous for their unique beliefs and traditions, but the specialty of the Shani Shingnapur temple located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra makes it different from all other temples. The biggest feature of this temple is that here the idol of Lord Shani is installed not inside any roof or temple but under the open sky. Apart from this, there are no doors in the houses here, because people believe that Lord Shani himself protects them.

History of Shani Shingnapur

There is an interesting story behind the establishment of Shani Shingnapur Temple. It is believed that about 300-400 years ago, a local farmer found a black stone flowing in the stream. When he touched the stone with a stick, blood started flowing from it. That night Lord Shani himself came in the farmer's dream and told him that this stone is his idol. He also said that it should not be installed in any temple but in an open place and his worship should be done here.

After this, the villagers installed this stone in an open place in the village and since then Shani Dev has been worshiped here.

Unique Features of Shani Shingnapur

1. Houses without doors

There are no traditional doors in any house, shop or bank in Shani Shingnapur village. People believe that if someone tries to steal, Shani Dev punishes him. If a person steals and goes out of this village, he is caught somewhere or he has to face heavy punishment.

2. Idol located under the open sky

The idol of Lord Shani installed in Shani Shingnapur is not kept in any temple or sanctum, but is kept under the open sky. It is said that this temple establishes a direct contact between heaven and earth, due to which devotees get the grace of Shani Dev more effectively.

3. Women could not worship earlier

According to ancient traditions, women could not go near the idol and worship in this temple. But in the year 2016, women also got permission to offer oil on the idol of Shani Dev. This change was considered an important step towards social equality.

4. Special importance of Shani Amavasya

Special worship and havan are organized in this temple on the day of Shani Amavasya. On this day, thousands of devotees come here and offer mustard oil, sesame seeds, and blue flowers and pray to Lord Shani for grace.

Temple Management Authority

The Shani Shingnapur temple is looked after by Shri Shani Shingnapur Devasthan Trust, which manages the administrative system of the temple.

How to reach Shani Shingnapur?

The following routes can be used to reach Shani Shingnapur:

• Nearest railway station: Ahmednagar Railway Station (approximately 35 km away)

• Nearest airport: Aurangabad Airport (approximately 90 km away)

• Road route: Direct bus or taxi service is available from Pune, Mumbai and Aurangabad.
  
  

What to do and what not to do?

✔ What to do:

• Worship Shani Dev with devotion and faith.

• Wearing black clothes is considered auspicious.

• Donate mustard oil, black sesame seeds, and urad.

✖ What not to do:

• Do not take leather items (belts, purses, shoes) to the temple.

• Avoid negative thoughts and do not insult anyone.

• It is not appropriate to make loud noises or run in the temple premises.

Shani Shingnapur Temple on Google Maps