Shani Temple

Shani Temple and its nearby places
Shani Singapur is a town situated in Maharashtra, India; around 35 km from Ahmednagar city. The town is famous as the place of Lord Shani, the divine force of planet Saturn (Shani). It is said that Lord Shani is extremely strict and he rebuffs each individual once in his life for the wrong things done however grants also great work. Another component of the Shinganapur town is that not a solitary house has entryways but rather just door jambs. The general population in the town trusts that no cheat can do anything at the effective place of Lord Shani.
Shri Shaneshwar Devasthan Shanishingnapur’s legend in Taluk Naivasa of District Ahmednagar is well known, far and wide, as the hallowed place of innumerable aficionados. The quantity of its mind-boggling marvels discovers its place of pride in The Guinness Book of World Records. Ahmednagar’s populace is referred to prevalently as the place of holy people. God Shani possesses a position of dread in the brains of a great many people in India. There is unnecessary dread about God Shani in the brains of individuals, dissimilar to different Gods in the pantheon.
About Shani Temple:
The specialty of Lord Shanidev’s place is that there are no long queues and people don’t have to wait for the darshan of the Swayambhu statue of Shanidev, unlike other temples. The only one of its kind feature is that there is no temple for the idol of Lord Shanidev and just a black statue is standing on a simple platform. Devotees can offer Puja and Abhishek on Saturdays and Mondays on the tradition that a devotee needs to take a head bath and should go to the lord Shanidev’s platform in wet clothes.
Other than the symbol of Shanidev, there are sanctuaries of Goddess Laxmi. The renowned Samadhi of Sant Shri Udasi Baba is additionally there before these sanctuaries and three obscure samadhis too. There is a sanctuary of Shri Dattatraya on the east course of Shanidev’s idol.
Places near Shani Shinganapur
Shirdi

At around 70 km from Shani Shinganapur, Shirdi is arranged which is the well-known place of Shri Sai Baba. Saibaba has spent a large portion of his life in Shirdi Village. A large number of guests day by day visit Shirdi sanctuary to take gifts from Sai Baba.
Sakori
At around 69 km northwest of Shingnapur, Sakori is found and is prestigious for its Upasani Kanyakumari Sthan. The place has a great deal of positive vitality and can be felt by anybody.
Ajanta and Ellora Caves

The Ajanta and Ellora hollows are considered as the best verifiable landmark in Maharashtra, India; they are situated around 79 km southwest of Shinganapur.
Nashik
At around 143 km from the Shani Shinganapur, Nashik city is situated and is popular for its religious culture. There are many spots to find in Nashik city; some of which incorporate Muktidham, Pandavleni Caves, Sula Vineyards, Kalaram Temple, Naroshankar Temple, Sundarnarayan Temple, Shri Kailas Math, and so on.
Things to do at Shani Temple
- Visit the Shani Shingnapur Temple: The Shani Shingnapur Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shani, the Hindu god of the planet Saturn. It is located in the village of Shingnapur in Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra, India. It is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in India and attracts thousands of devotees every year.
- Offer prayers and seek blessings: Visitors to the temple can offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Shani. The temple is known for its unique feature of having no doors or walls, and visitors can walk right up to the deity to offer their prayers.
- Explore the nearby village and interact with locals: Shingnapur is a small village located near the temple and is known for its traditional houses, lush green fields, and friendly locals. Visitors can explore the village and interact with the locals to get a taste of rural life in India.
- Visit the Shanishingnapur Museum: The Shanishingnapur Museum is located near the temple and showcases the history and cultural heritage of the region. Visitors can learn about the history of the temple and the village, and see artifacts and exhibits related to Lord Shani and Hindu mythology.
- Participate in the daily puja rituals: Visitors can participate in the daily puja rituals conducted at the temple. The puja rituals include offerings of flowers, incense, and other items, and are performed by the temple priests.
- Attend the Shani Jayanti festival: Shani Jayanti is a Hindu festival celebrated in honor of Lord Shani, and it is one of the most important festivals for devotees of Lord Shani. The festival is celebrated in the month of January or February and is marked by special puja rituals, devotional singing, and other cultural activities.
- Enjoy local street food and shopping: Shingnapur is famous for its street food, and visitors can sample local delicacies such as vada pav, pav bhaji, and kanda bhaji. The village also has several shops selling souvenirs, religious items, and other local products.
- Visit the nearby Shirdi and Aurangabad: Shirdi and Aurangabad are two popular tourist destinations located near Shingnapur. Shirdi is famous for the Sai Baba Temple, while Aurangabad is known for its historical monuments and caves.
- Take a guided tour of the temple and its history: Visitors can take a guided tour of the temple and learn about its history, architecture, and cultural significance. The tour will provide a deeper understanding of the temple and its place in Hindu mythology.
- Meditate and seek inner peace at the tranquil temple premises: The temple premises are surrounded by lush green fields and offer a peaceful and tranquil environment. Visitors can meditate and seek inner peace in this serene setting.
History of Shani Temple
The history of the Shani Shingnapur Temple is not well documented, but it is believed to be several centuries old. According to local legends, the idol of Lord Shani was discovered in the area by shepherds, who noticed that their cattle were not being attacked by predators. They discovered the idol and built a temple around it, and the temple has been a place of worship ever since.
Over the years, the temple has gained popularity as a pilgrimage site, and it is now one of the most visited temples in India. The temple is known for its unique feature of having no doors or walls, and this is said to symbolize the protection offered by Lord Shani.
Despite its popularity, the temple has faced challenges over the years, including theft and vandalism. In recent years, the temple trust has taken steps to improve security and preserve the temple’s heritage, and it continues to be an important place of worship for Hindus.
Temple Timing
The Shani Shingnapur Temple is open for visitors every day from early morning to late evening. The temple timings are usually as follows:
- Morning: The temple opens at 5:00 AM and the first puja (ritual) is performed at 5:30 AM. Visitors can offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Shani during this time.
- Afternoon: The temple remains open for visitors until 12:00 PM, after which it is closed for a few hours for lunch and maintenance.
- Evening: The temple reopens at 4:00 PM and remains open until 9:00 PM. Visitors can offer prayers and participate in the evening puja rituals during this time.
It is advisable to check the temple timings in advance, as they may change due to special events or festivals. Visitors are also requested to follow the temple rules and dress modestly while visiting the temple.