Shani Shingnapur is a small village located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India. It is famous for the Shani Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shani or Saturn, one of the nine Navagrahas in Hindu astrology. The temple is unique because it does not have any idols or images of the deity, and the temple is an open-air structure.
The Shani Temple is believed to be a powerful place for devotees seeking blessings from Lord Shani. It is one of the few temples in India where the deity is worshiped in the form of a natural stone, known as the swayambhu. The swayambhu is a black stone that is said to have emerged from the ground, and it is believed to possess great spiritual power. The temple’s uniqueness lies in the fact that it has no roof or walls, and the swayambhu is placed on a raised platform, which is surrounded by an iron fence.
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About Shani Shingnapur
Devotees come from all over India to offer their prayers to Lord Shani at the Shani Temple. It is believed that those who seek the deity’s blessings will be protected from evil, misfortune, and bad luck. The temple is open all year round, and it sees a large number of visitors during special occasions like Amavasya (the new moon day), Shani Jayanti (the deity’s birthday), and Saturdays, which are considered auspicious days for Lord Shani.
Apart from the Shani Temple, the village of Shani Shingnapur is also known for its unique tradition of not having any doors or locks in its houses. The residents of the village believe that Lord Shani protects their homes from theft and robbery, and they do not need any locks or doors to secure their belongings. This tradition has been followed for centuries and is a testament to the strong faith that the villagers have in Lord Shani.
Visitors to Shani Shingnapur can also enjoy the natural beauty of the region. The village is located amidst lush green fields, and the nearby hills offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The village is also famous for its sweet mangoes, which are grown in the region and are a delicacy for visitors.
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History of Shani Shingnapur
In recent years, the Shani Temple and the village of Shani Shingnapur have undergone significant changes to accommodate the growing number of visitors. The temple now has a covered area for the devotees to offer their prayers, and the village has developed basic amenities for tourists, including guesthouses and restaurants.
Shani Shingnapur is a unique destination that offers visitors a chance to experience the spirituality and traditions of rural India. The Shani Temple’s swayambhu stone and the village’s tradition of not having any doors or locks make it a one-of-a-kind destination that is a must-visit for anyone interested in Hindu spirituality and culture. The stunning natural beauty of the region and the delicious mangoes add to the charm of the village and make it a perfect getaway for a weekend trip.
Visit Shani Shingnapur
Apart from the Shani Temple and the village’s unique tradition, there are other attractions in the region that visitors can explore. One such place is the Lenyadri Caves, located about 30 kilometers from Shani Shingnapur. The caves are a series of rock-cut Buddhist temples that date back to the 1st century BC. The Lenyadri Caves are one of the Ashtavinayakas, a group of eight temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha, one of the most popular deities in Hinduism. Visitors can take a trek up the hill to reach the caves and explore the beautiful rock-cut sculptures and intricate carvings.
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Another attraction near Shani Shingnapur is the Bhimashankar Temple, which is located about 70 kilometers from the village. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are considered to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. The Bhimashankar Temple is located amidst the lush greenery of the Sahyadri Mountains and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
For nature lovers, the Bhandardara Dam and Lake is a must-visit destination near Shani Shingnapur. The dam is located about 120 kilometers from the village and is surrounded by the beautiful Sahyadri Mountains. The lake is a popular spot for boating and fishing, and visitors can also explore the nearby waterfalls and trekking trails.
Travel to Shani Shingnapur Shirdi
Overall, Shani Shingnapur is a fascinating destination that offers visitors a chance to explore the spiritual and cultural heritage of rural India. The Shani Temple and the village’s unique tradition are the main attractions, but there are other places of interest in the region that visitors can explore. The stunning natural beauty of the region and the delicious mangoes add to the charm of the village and make it a perfect getaway for a weekend trip. Visitors to Shani Shingnapur can immerse themselves in the spirituality of the place and experience the simple way of life of the villagers. For more information about Shani Shingnapur and tourism packages to Shirdi contact Astha Tourism.