It’s a common practice in every household to keep the main doors locked in order to ensure complete privacy and security of the family as well as valuables. However, Shani Shingnapur - a striking village in Maharashtra is where practice is somewhat different. Houses, post offices, police stations and even the banks present in this magical village near Shirdi have no main doors; leave the idea of locking.
Yes, you read it right! Despite having no doors in the houses or any other offices, Shani Shingnapur in Ahmednagar district has never registered even a single complaint of theft or robbery till date. Now this must have piqued your curiosity to understand how the houses remain guarded. Well, take a look at some of the fascinating facts about this miraculous village near Shirdi that will leave you awestruck. Check out!
Shani Shingnapur Story
It is not easy to discard the idea of having doors and locking systems but this fascinating village in Maharashtra is symbolic of faith and firm beliefs. According to legend, a black stone was discovered by a shepherd on the banks of River Pantanal some 400 years ago. The shepherd found the rock a bit unusual and tried to prod it with a rod. Soon after the sharp rod touched the rock, it started bleeding.
The shepherd rubbed his eyes in dismay and immediately left the site. That night, Lord Shani appeared in his dream and told him that the rock he discovered at the bank is his form of Swayambhu which must be worshipped daily in order to keep the village protected from calamities and mishaps.
The shepherd asked Lord Shanaishwar in the dream if the temple needs to be built for him but the Lord rather insisted to simply place his idol in the heart of the village under the open sky so that he can view all sides of the village without any impediment. Lord Shani promised him that by doing so, he would guard the village himself and there would be no misfortune touching this land ever.
Shani Shingnapur Temple | Beliefs & Age-Old Traditions
On account of the promise made by Lord Shanaishwar, the idol was placed in an open yard right in the center of the village and it is worshipped every single day from the time of inception. Every Saturday, Tailabhishekam is also performed as a regular ritual as it was suggested by the Lord himself. Lord Shani is also referred to as “Swayambhu” as he himself has emerged as the black stone in this region.
Shani Shingnapur Temple is a revered temple that is considered to be alive as Lord Shani, also known as the Lord of Planet Saturn resides here in the form of black stone up to the present time. It is one of the unique temples in India as it is an open air temple with no roof or walls. The preceding idol is in the form of 5.5 ft black stone which is placed on a platform and mustard oil is poured on the idol all day long through a copper vessel hanging over it.
The residents of the village firmly believe that Lord Shani is their guardian deity who is always protecting them from calamities and misfortune. Another folklore suggests that whoever has built a door in their houses in Shani Shingnapur village have faced an accident the very next day. Locals also believe that whoever will do a robbery in the village will have to face the wrath of bad luck for the spell of seven years or will have permanent disorders, mental illness and blindness.
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This undying faith of villagers prompted a tradition of no door in the village that is prevalent till date. Even the branch of United Commercial Bank in the village maintains the sanctity of this age-old tradition and has featured its first ever "lockless" branch in Shani Shingnapur which indeed sets an example of ceaseless faith in front of the entire world.
For more than 400 years, thousands of men from across the country paid homage at this magical temple of India as the entry for women remained prohibited since inception. However, after facing numerous protests against gender prejudice and age-old traditions, the temple trust decided to open doors for women on the glorious day of 8th April 2016. Today, even women can pay homage to this significant seat of Lord Shani and get bestowed with his endless grace.
Rules to Visit Shani Shingnapur Temple
Shani Shingnapur Temple Timings
This temple near Shirdi has become quite popular on pilgrimage tours in India as about 40k people visit here on a daily basis. The temple remains open for 24 hours and the devotees can visit this temple at any hour of the day. However, on special days such as Amavasya which is a no moon day and festivals like Shani Amavasya and Shri Shaneshchar Jayanti, the temple witnesses a heavy footfall.
Best Time To Visit Shani Shingnapur
You can consider visiting Shani Shingnapur anytime between September to November as the weather remains pleasant during this time of the year as winters are approaching. Avoid visiting this village during summer season as the temperatures rises up to to 40 degrees making people sweat and dehydrated. Also, the rainfall is heavy during monsoon season hence avoiding this season is also advisable.
How to Reach Shani Shingnapur
The best way to reach this religious pilgrimage village in Maharashtra is to come via Shirdi. After paying homage at Sai Dham temple, you can cover the onward distance of 65 km either by bus or private cab depending on time, budget and convenience. Follow the simple ways mentioned below:
By Air
The nearest airport to Shani Shingnapur is Shirdi Airport which is located in Kakadi. It is about 70 km away from the village and you can reach here easily by hiring a cab or taking Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) Bus.
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By Train
Ahmednagar Station is the nearest railway station which is about 39 km away from this famous Shani temple in India. You can consider hiring a private cab or travelling by the state bus to cover your onward journey to the temple.
By Road
The road connectivity from the village to neighboring states is pretty good. There are regular state buses that ply from different routes on a regular basis making it convenient for the travelers to reach this village at complete ease. Hiring a private cab or reaching here by your own vehicle is also quite convenient as the highways are well maintained and also connected.
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Hope the story of this temple in Maharashtra has intrigued you and has entered your wish list. Do get in touch with Adotrip for special pilgrimage packages to Shirdi and Shani Shingnapur. Enjoy end-to-end services and also grab exciting offers along with unmatched rates on flights, hotels, buses, holiday packages and more. With us, nothing is far!
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Shani Shingnapur
Q 1. What is Shani Shingnapur village best known for?
A 1. Shani Shingnapur village is famous for Shani Shingnapur temple which is considered as the “Jagrut Devasthan” which means one of the alive temples in India where the presiding deity resides till date. The village is also known for having no doors in its houses for almost 4 centennial years.
Q 2. Why do Shani Shingnapur houses have no doors?
A 2. Shani Shingnapur houses have no doors because people of the village believe that Lord Shani guards them 24*7.
Q 3. Which village does not have doors?
A 3. Shani Shingnapur village in Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra is the only village that does not have doors.
Q 4. How much time does it take for darshan at Shani Shingnapur?
A 4. It takes about 15-20 minutes for darshan at Shani Shingnapur Temple.
Q 5. What is the distance between Shani Shingnapur Temple and Shirdi?
A 5. Shani Shingnapur Temple is about 65 km away from Shirdi.
Q 6. Is there any entry fee for Shani Shingnapur Temple?
A 6. No, the entry to the temple is absolutely free.
--- Published By Shradha Mehra
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