Shani Shingnapur Temple: Shani Shingnapur is a small village situated in Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar district, India. The village is well known for its unique cultural practices and the famous Shani Temple which makes it a centre of attraction to many tourists and pilgrims. Here, we are going to talk about what’s in Shani Shingnapur, its history, significance and other interesting and unique features of Shani Shingnapur.
Introduction:
Located in the middle of Maharashtra, Shani Shingnapur is a small village which has a special place for every pilgrim. It is known for its Shani Temple, which is devoted to Lord Shani, who represents the planet deity Saturn. What makes this village unbelievably amazing is that the houses are mostly without doors as an expression of the villagers’ unshakable belief in Lord Shani’s protection.
How to Reach Shani Shingnapur:
By Air: The Aurangabad Airport is the nearest airport which is 90 kms away from Shani Shingnapur.You can alternatively fly to Nashik Airport (144 kilometres) or Pune Airport (161 kilometres). Once you land at the airport, you can either hire a taxi or board a local bus.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Rahuri Railway Station. It is located around 32 km away. Once you reach the station, you can either hire a taxi or board a local bus.
By Road: The temple is well-connected by road, and you can find buses from major destinations in Maharashtra like Shirdi, Rahuri, Ahmednagar, Pune, Vashi, and Mumbai. Travellers usually book a cab from Pune to Shirdi and stop at Shani Shingnapur enroute.
| City | Distance (km) |
| Ahmednagar to Shani Shingnapur | 35 km |
| Shirdi to Shani Shingnapur | 70 km |
| Aurangabad to Shani Shingnapur | 75 km |
| Nashik to Shani Shingnapur | 144 km |
| Pune to Shani Shingnapur | 160 km |
| Mumbai to Shani Shingnapur | 298 km |
| Trimbakeshwar to Shani Shingnapur | 196 km |
History of Shani Shingnapur Temple:
The history of Shani Shingnapur is said to be centuries old, which began through a divine miracle. According to village folklore, one heavy black stone washed up on the banks of the Panasnala River after a flood. As the villagers tried to shift it, the stone got injured and went on to bleed.
Later that night, Lord Shani came to the villagers dream and told him that the stone was his shape and should be worshipped without a roof above it. Gradually, those unique traditions of Shani Shingnapur were nurtured. Ever since, the shrine of Shani Dev has stood open to the sky, which represents the unending relationship between deity and his followers.
Suggested Read: Nashik Tourist Places
Significance of Lord Shani:
Lord Shani is regarded as the God of justice and discipline who can put off evil and bring prosperity. People believe he protects them from harm and brings good fortune. In Shani Shingnapur, he is greatly honoured and his influence is seen in all parts of life there.
Unlike many other temples filled with pomp and grandeur, this one stands for its simplicity but very meaningful. The idol of Lord Shani is kept on a platform under the open sky which is immersed by devotees making their offerings of prayers and of oils as tokens of their reverence toward the deity. Going to the temple gives a calm and spiritual feeling, especially on special days like Shani Amavasya, when the village is full of ceremonies and parties.
Doorless Homes:
Shani Shingnapur is known for an interesting feature which is that most houses don’t have doors. Instead, people use wooden frames or curtains to show where the entrances are. Residents consider it to be the faith they place into Lord Shani, who lives above the village and watches over it. The villagers think that as long as they trust in him, no one will be hurt or have anything stolen. Amazingly, many years have passed, this belief has been received, with very few thefts recorded.
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Mahabaleshwar
Festivals Celebrated at Shani Shingnapur Temple:
The main festival in Shani Shingnapur Temple is Shani Amavasya, celebrated on a no-moon day. People from different parts of the country come here seeking blessings and perform rituals in the name of Lord Shani at this time. The village is filled with singing, oil-pouring ceremonies, and a strong feeling of devotion.
Shani Jayanti is another festival, which is the birthday of Lord Shani. The temple is decorated with flowers and special prayers are offered on this day. These festivals attract many people and are celebrated with lots of enthusiasm.
Saturdays are considered to be auspicious as compared to other days.
Best Time to Visit:
October to January is the best time to visit the Shani Shignapur Temple. The weather is pleasant and mild since winters are just approaching the town.
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Panchgani
Shani Temple Timings and Entry Fee:
The temple is open throughout the day and there is no entry fee.
Dress Code for Shani Shingnapur Temple:
There is no specific dress code. One should visit the temple in traditional attire. Men are expected to remove their shirt while offering prayers.
Accommodation:
Travelers visiting Shani Shingnapur, there are many different types of accommodations such as budget lodges to even high end hotels. Most of these places have basic facilities and are close to the temple, making it easy to visit. Local eateries serve the traditional Maharashtrian food, giving visitors a chance to have the taste of local flavors.
Suggested Read: Matheran Hill Station
Conclusion:
Shani Shingnapur is not just a village, it represents strong faith and devotion. Its special customs and the deep belief in Shani Dev’s protection make it an interesting place for both pilgrims and travelers. Whether you come for spiritual reasons or to explore, Shani Shingnapur offers a mix of tradition and mystery that stays with you. Planning your visit to Shani shingnapur allows the divine presence of Shani Dev to bring blessings and positivity into your life.
