Shani Shingnapur Temple Maharashtra in India

Shani Temple in India is one of those few temples where women are not allowed entry. Only men are allowed to offer prayers. This unusual custom is followed for centuries now. But as per latest developments, even if it had been claimed that the Shani Dev Mandir had been built for a particular denomination of Hindus, women would still have a right to enter such temples under the Maharashtra Temple Entry law.

On the way to Ahmednagar Railway station we took the diversion to Shingnapur to visit Shani Mandir. This village of Shingnapur is famous for 2 unique faith and customs practiced. One is the Shingnapur village, that has houses with no doors and other is the famous Shani Shingnapur Temple.

Partly out of curiosity for the village and partly as thanksgiving for the incident and accident free tour of Aurangabad we decided to halt at Shingnapur. This temple here is dedicated to Shani Dev.

Shanishwar Devasthan Shani Shingnapur Temple

Praying Lord Shani 

Significance of Shani Shingnapur Temple

I have always known Shani Dev to be fair and impartial dispenser of justice. On our way to Ahmednagar from Aurangabad, when our driver told us about this famous Shani Temple of India, we couldn’t let the opportunity go. This temple in Shani Shingnapur Maharashtra stands as one of India’s most revered shrines to Shani Dev, the deity associated with the planet Saturn. Here are a few key reasons the temple holds such importance:

• Lord of Saturn – Shani Dev is primarily known as the deity representing the planet Saturn in Hindu astrology. Saturn is considered a powerful and influential planet that affects individuals’ lives significantly, particularly in terms of karma, justice, and discipline. People with staunch belief in astrology worship Shani Dev to ward off the bad times in their life.
• Dispenser of Justice – Shani Dev is often referred to as the ‘Lord of Justice.’ He is believed to deliver results based on one’s deeds, embodying the principle of karma. He rewards the righteous and punishes the wrongdoers, ensuring that everyone faces the consequences of their actions.
• Influence on Life Events – Shani Dev’s influence is particularly noted during certain periods in an individual’s astrological chart, such as Sade Sati (a seven-and-a-half-year phase) and Shani Dasha (a period ruled by Saturn). These periods are believed to bring significant challenges and lessons, prompting individuals to reflect on their actions and improve their lives.
• Symbol of Patience and Perseverance – Devotees of Shani Dev revere him as a symbol of endurance, patience, and perseverance. Worshipping Shani Dev is believed to help individuals develop resilience and the ability to face life’s hardships with fortitude.
• Raksha Kavach (Protector Against Evil) – Shani Dev is also considered a protector against evil forces and negative influences. Devotees seek his blessings to ward off misfortunes, alleviate suffering, and achieve stability and prosperity in their lives.
• Temples and Worship – Shani Dev is worshipped in numerous temples across India, with Shani Shingnapur in Maharashtra being one of the most prominent. Devotees flock to these temples to offer prayers, perform rituals, and seek his blessings for relief from astrological afflictions and life challenges.
• Depiction and Iconography – Shani Dev is often depicted as a dark-complexioned deity, dressed in black or dark blue attire, riding a crow, which is his vahana (vehicle). He is usually shown holding a sword, arrows, or a scepter, symbolizing his authority and power.

Lord Shani is the most powerful Hindu God, He is God of Justice.  He can convert ideas into an action by changing the status of a person. It means a person’s status can change from rich to poor or from being poor to rich, physically well to unwell. For that correct procedures of prayers have to be followed. Any mistake can bring drastic unexpected results.

Anyway it is a very complex subject and beyond my understanding. You can read more: Shani

Shani Shingnapur Temple History

If legends are to be believed, the story of origin of this temple is:

A shepherd while grazing his cattle accidentally hit a huge black stone with his stick and the stone started bleeding. Frightened he called the villagers.  All were perplexed at the miracle. At night Lord Shanaishwara appeared in the dream of the most devoted and pious of the shepherds.

He told the shepherd that he is “Shaneeshwara” and the unique looking black stone is his swayambhu (self emerged) form. Lord Shani Mahatma said he had no desire for a temple, the whole sky is his roof and he preferred to be under open sky.

He instructed his pooja should be done with  Tailabhisheka (offering of edible oil) every Saturday without fail. In return He blessed the whole hamlet will have no fear of thieves.

Lord Shani in the form of Black Stone

Shani Shingnapur Temple Information and Facts

Since then the idol is not housed inside any building. It is a temple without any roof. Idol here is a big black stone slab placed on a high pedestal and it is in the open.

Bhairuji Temple near Bikaner is a similar temple with no roof.

Common popular belief is that all efforts to build a temple around it have been in vain. People who tried to build a structure around it got dreams and visions with messages like, “I don’t need shelter and do not want to live in any body’s insignia of royalty.”

Shani Shingnapur Temple Rules

Only male devotees can offer prayers.

Unlike other temples the devotees can carry out the abhiseka (prayers and offerings) all by themselves without the intervention or assistance of the priests there.

Edible oil is the most common offering made by devotees here. I saw them pouring the oil on the massive 5ft. black stone. This oil is collected and then distributed.

Shani Shingnapur Temple Dress Code

Temple authorities here follow strict dress code for men. They have to wear dhoti, a long piece of garment wrapped around the waist covering lower part of body, knotted in the front, side or back.

You can hire them at the temple for a small fee.

Men have to wear dhoti.

Dry Neem Tree near Shani Temple

Interestingly a neem tree there in Shani Shingnapur Temple is almost always leaf less, so they say. The belief is even the shade of that tree is not acceptable to Lord Shani.

See the contrast between the two trees in the picture. I would like to add here that I am not sure whether the tree is always like that and this picture is taken on 29 Dec. 2007.

Dry neem tree in Shani Temple – Shri Shaneshwar Devasthan

8 Rules to Visit Shani Shingnapur Temple and worship Lord Shani

1. People have to remove cap, cloth or turban and have to be bare-head while performing holy rituals.
2. Water for worshipping Lord Shani has to be collected only from the holy well present in the temple complex.
3. Do not show your back to Shani Dev. So after worshiping Shani Dev, go backward
4. Never stand still while worshiping Shani Dev.
5. Combine Shani puja with Hanuman and Shiva Puja. Shani is a great devotee of Lord Shiva, so worshipping Shiva is a sure way to please Shani.
6. Devotees should not look into the eyes of Lord Shani.
7. Scriptures say that one should not buy salt on Saturdays.
8. Articles made of iron should not be bought, of if bought should not be brought home on Saturday.

Tickets and Timings of Shaneshwara Temple

No tickets are required to enter the temple. It is free for all men who wish to enter and offer prayers.

Open timings of Shani Shingnapur temple is from 12 AM to 12 PM.

This temple is locally called – Shri Shaneshwar Devasthan.

Shani Shingnapur Village

The village around the temple is also one of its kinds, in this world!

What is most unique and striking feature of this village is that, there are houses with no doors, yes NO DOORS. People of this village for centuries have never built doors to their houses.

Facades of each and every Shani Shingnapur house and shop has just a rectangular hollow space in the wall and the footwear outside indicate the entry and exit point.

Shani Shingnapur house with no door.

Shingnapur shop

Even the nationalized UCO Bank’s branch in the village does not have locks on its doors and the post office too!

I went around there shocked at the sight. I was trying to remember the number of latches and locks I have in the doors of my house, not only in the main door but also in the doors of each room.

What is interesting is that the people of this village have never purchased a latch or lock in their whole life. They have never experienced a theft either. Their blind faith that whoever steals will be punished by Lord Shani and whatever is stolen soon returns back to the losers. Gave me goose bumps listening to their story.

The windows of this Shani Shingnapur house had no grills.

This lady told me that even her grandparents’ had a house without door. Shani – the Lord of Saturn guards them! During severe winters they place a wooden plank, that’s all, no latches or locks.

In the entire area of 1 km radius around the temple no one drinks alcohol, or gambles or eats non-veg. Such deep rooted faith! I was seeing this facet of India with total disbelief and pride.

Will modernization and fast pace of life around change them? – I thought as I walked out of the village.

Festivals and Celebrations at the Shani Shingnapur Temple

The Shani Shingnapur Temple, an iconic spiritual hub, becomes the epicenter of vibrant festivities, particularly on Saturdays, Shani Amavasya, and Shani Jayanti. These celebrations bring the village to life with a blend of devotion, tradition, and community spirit. Here are some of the major festivals celebrated at the temple:

Shri Shaneshchar Jayanti – This festival commemorates the birth of Lord Shani. It is a week-long celebration filled with fervent devotion, marked by continuous chanting of Shani Dev’s name and the recitation of the ‘Granthraj Dnyaneshwari Parayan.’ The atmosphere is electric with spirituality, drawing devotees from far and wide.

Aashadi Ekadashi – Initiated in 1991, this annual festival features a grand procession carrying Shaneshwar’s palanquin from Shani Shingnapur to Pandarpur. The event is a vibrant spectacle, with devotees participating in various rituals, making it a significant community celebration.

Ekanaathi Shashti – Similar in grandeur to Aashadi Ekadashi, Ekanaathi Shashti involves an elaborate foot procession of Lord Shani’s palanquin from Shani Shingnapur to Paithan. The event unites trustees and devotees in a lively celebration that adds to the festive spirit of the village.

Mahashivratri – This important Hindu festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is observed with special prayers and rituals at the Shani Shingnapur Temple. Devotees observe fasting, perform night-long vigils, and engage in devotional singing to honor Lord Shiva and seek his blessings.

Hanuman Jayanti – Hanuman Jayanti, celebrating the birth of Lord Hanuman, is another important festival at Shani Shingnapur. Devotees gather to chant Hanuman Chalisa and participate in special prayers and rituals seeking strength and protection.

Gudi Padwa – Gudi Padwa marks the traditional New Year for Maharashtrians. The festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm at Shani Shingnapur, with devotees decorating the temple and their homes with colorful rangoli and raising the Gudi flag as a symbol of victory and prosperity.

It is important that you time your visit if you wish to witness the festivals and celebrations at this unique Shani Temple in India. These festivals not only uphold religious traditions but also foster a sense of community, drawing thousands of pilgrims who share in the joyous and pious atmosphere of Shani Shingnapur.

Location of Shingnapur

Shingnapur is 6 km from Ghodegaon on Aurangabad-Ahmednagar road. The road is motorable and in good condition.

Ahmednagar Railway station to Shani Shingnapur Temple – 44.3 km

Aurangabad to Shani Shingnapur Temple – 81.6 km

How to reach Shani Shingnapur

To reach Shani Shingnapur, a famous village known for its Shani temple dedicated to Lord Shani (the Hindu god of the planet Saturn), follow these directions depending on your starting point:

From Mumbai

1. By Road:
   • Distance to Shingnapur from Mumbai: Approximately 300 km.
   • Route: Take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway to Pune. From Pune, head towards Ahmednagar on NH60. Shani Shingnapur is about 35 km from Ahmednagar.
   • Travel Time: Around 6 to 7 hours by car.
2. By Train:
   • Nearest Railway Station: Ahmednagar Railway Station.
   • Train Journey: Several trains run from Mumbai to Ahmednagar. The journey takes approximately 6 to 7 hours.
   • From Ahmednagar: You can take a taxi or a bus to Shani Shingnapur, which is about 35 km away.
3. By Bus:
   • Direct buses are available from Mumbai to Ahmednagar. From Ahmednagar, you can take a local bus or taxi to Shani Shingnapur.

From Pune

1. By Road:
   • Distance by road from Pune to Shingnapur: Approximately 160 km.
   • Route: Take NH60 towards Ahmednagar. From Ahmednagar, Shani Shingnapur is around 35 km away.
   • Travel Time: About 3 to 4 hours by car.
2. By Train:
   • Nearest Railway Station to Shingnapur: Ahmednagar Railway Station.
   • Train Journey: Several trains run from Pune to Ahmednagar, taking about 3 to 4 hours.
   • From Ahmednagar: You can take a taxi or a bus to Shani Shingnapur.
3. By Bus:
   • Direct buses are available from Pune to Ahmednagar. From Ahmednagar, you can take a local bus or taxi to Shani Shingnapur.

From Aurangabad

1. By Road:
   • Distance from Aurangabad to Shingnapur: Approximately 80 km. We covered this distance in Private taxi.
   • Route: Take NH60 towards Ahmednagar and then follow the signs to Shani Shingnapur.
   • Travel Time: About 2 hours by car.
2. By Bus:
   • Direct buses are available from Aurangabad to Shani Shingnapur.
3. By Train:
   • Nearest Railway Station: Ahmednagar Railway Station.
   • Train Journey: Trains from Aurangabad to Ahmednagar take about 2-3 hours.
   • From Ahmednagar: You can take a taxi or a bus to Shani Shingnapur.

Local Transportation

From Ahmednagar, you have several options:

• Buses: Frequent buses run between Ahmednagar and Shani Shingnapur.
• Taxis: Taxis are readily available for hire.
• Shared Vehicles: Shared auto-rickshaws or taxis are also an economical option.

Frequently Asked Questions about God Shani

Why is Shani Shingnapur Temple famous?

God Shani gives the boon of success in social, political, traditional, spiritual, career, educational and business areas. God Shani gives relief from diseases and grants a long life. God Shani is the God of the kali yuga.

Who is wife of Shani Dev?

Shani Dev is associated with two consorts: Neelima (Neela), the personification of the gemstone sapphire, and Manda, a Gandharva princess.

What is the favourite food of Shani?

God Shani loves black and his favourite foods include black sesame laddus made with jaggery and khichdi made with black lentils.

What is the favourite flower of Shani Dev?

Shani Dev loves dark colored flowers. You may offer blue Lajwanti flowers (touch me not), Blue Hydrangea, Delphinium, Bluestar, and Bellflower.

What is Shani Dev’s favorite number?

God Shani’s favorite fumber is 8. This is the Karma number and it denotes balance, similar to its shape.

Where are the other popular Shani Temples in India?

Other Popular Lord Shani Temples in India are Shani Dham temple in Delhi, Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple in Tamil Nadu, Shanichara temple in Barahwali, Madhya Pradesh, and Shani Mandir in Indore.

You may like these unique Temples:

• Bheruji Temple in Bikaner
• Brahma Temple Pushkar Lake
• Biraja Temple, Shakti Peeth Odisha

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