Shani Shingnapur

Shani Shingnapur Shirdi, History, Darshan Timings & How to reach

Located in the Ahmednagar area, Shani Shignapur Temple is a Jeet Devasthan (living temple) that is well-known for the enchanted and strong Lord Shani, who is still thought to reside in a black stone. Swayambhu is the name of the Hindu god who represents the planet Saturn; he has manifested himself as the black stone that attracts thousands of worshippers each year. Since everyone in the amazing hamlet believes that Lord Shani is keeping their goods safe from robbers, there are no doors or locks on any of the homes because of the people’s unwavering faith in the Lord.

The fervour and intensity go up on some of the holiest days, such as Saturdays, Amavasya, and Shri Shaneshchar Jayanti. Since the planet Saturn is thought to bring misfortune to anyone’s life, some Hindus worship Lord Shani in order to appease him.

Going to the Shani Shignaour Temple undoubtedly gives you optimism that the rest of your life will go smoothly and that Lord Shani will only offer you happiness. You can simply obtain the heavenly power’s darshan without having to wait in queue.

Shani Shingnapur Entry To Women 

The fact that women were prohibited from entering the temple for almost 400 years is really odd. After women vehemently protested against the custom, the temple ultimately opened its doors to them on April 8, 2016, marking a turning point in Indian history.

The Shrine

There are no walls, doors, or roofs surrounding the Shani Shignapur Temple. It only contains a black stone, five and a half feet high, set on a podium to represent Lord Shani. The idol is set out in the open sky, which distinguishes this temple from others. A copper cup that hangs immediately above the idol of Lord Shani is used to regularly pour mustard oil onto it. In addition to Lord Shani, there are pictures of Nandi, Hanuman, and Shiva.

Festivals Celebrated at Shani Shingnapur Temple

Devotees can often do poojas and abhishekams on any given day. However, some days are regarded as extremely auspicious.

1. Shani Amavasya: Also known as a new moon day, this day is revered as Lord Shanaishwar’s favourite. The temple is packed with thousands of worshippers. Water, oil, and flowers are used to bathe the god. There is also a Shanaishwar procession.

2. Shri Shaneshchar Jayanti: Lord Shani’s birthday is celebrated with much fanfare and fervour on this day. In May, people commemorate this holiday.

In addition, Saturdays are seen as more auspicious than other days.

Why There Are No Doors in Shani Shingnapur? 

It is thought that the black stone began to bleed many years ago when a shepherd touched it with a pointed rod. The whole hamlet was shocked by this. Later that same evening, one of the most devout shepherds had a dream in which Lord Shanaishwar revealed to him that the black stone was his Swayambhu form. The shepherd prayed to the Lord and enquired as to whether a temple should be constructed in his honour. But since the Lord’s canopy is the enormous sky, he declined. Rather, Shanaishwar requested that he conduct ‘Tailabhisheka’ every Saturday and pooja every day. Additionally, he made certain that the village would not be harmed by theft or pillage.

Thus, even now, Lord Shanaishwar is situated in an open garden. Even though the homes lack doors and locks, surprisingly, no burglaries have been reported. Some persons attempted to steal in 2010 and 2011, yet it is reported that they passed away minutes after performing the crime.

Shri Shaneshwar Devasthan Prasadalaya 

Near the temple is the Prasadalaya, or canteen, run by the Shri Shaneshwar Devasthan Trust. It provides guests with hygienic cuisine. Over a thousand individuals can eat together in the canteen, and coupons are available at affordable pricing.

Shirdi to Shani Shingnapur: How to Reach 

Shirdi is about 70 kilometres away from Shani Shignapur. Private vehicles or taxis make it simple to get from Shirdi to the temple. Nonetheless, frequent buses between these two locations are also offered by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC). Rahuri, Ahmednagar, Shrirampur, and Shirdi Railway Stations are the closest train stations to Shani Shignapur Temple. Shani Shignapur is 90 kilometres from Aurangabad Airport, the closest airport. Additionally, tourists enjoy travelling from Nashik, which is 144 km away from the shrine. Autorickshaws are a convenient way to move around town when it comes to local transportation. Ola or Uber cabs are not available. At a distance of around 140 metres, there is enough space available for parking your vehicles.

Best Time To Visit Shani Shingnapur 

The Shani Shignaour Temple is best visited between September and November. The town is just getting ready for winter, so the weather is nice and moderate. Tourists avoid the summer months because of the high temperatures, which sometimes reach 40 degrees Celsius. Rainfall during the monsoon season disrupts outdoor activity.

Timings : Entire year

Time Required : 1 – 2 hours

Entry Fee : Different rates for different rituals