Have you ever imagined living in a house without doors or locks? Sounds impossible, right? Shani Shingnapur, a village in Maharashtra, India is famous for its temple of Lord Shani, the Hindu god of Karma and Justice, and its unique tradition of having no doors or locks in any of the houses, shops, or even the post office. This temple is a very powerful temple of Shani Dev where the self-manifestation of Shani Dev into a 5-foot and 9-inch black rock is worshipped. He is known to reward or punish people according to their karma or actions.
Topics Covered
- The Legend of Shani Shingnapur
- Who is allowed to enter the temple?
- What is the dress code of Shani Shignapur?
- How to perform Puja at Shani Shignapur?
- Doorless Village
- Can we take Prasad from Shani Shignapur?
- What are the timings of Shani Shingnapur Temple?
- How to reach Shani Shingnapur?
- Where to stay near Shani Shingnapur?
- What are some places to visit nearby?
- What is the entry fee?
- Conclusion
The Legend of Shani Shingnapur
According to the legend, about 300 years ago a black stone, believed to be the self-manifested form of Lord Shani, appeared on the banks of the Panasnala River. It was found by local shepherds. When they tried to move the stone, it started bleeding.
That night, Lord Shani appeared in the dream of one of the shepherds and revealed his identity. He also instructed the shepherd to worship him and perform oil abhishek (anointing) every Saturday. He promised to protect the village from any harm and said that he did not need a roof over his head, as the sky was his roof.
According to the legend, a thief attempted to steal the stone from the temple one day. However, as soon as he touched the stone, he became afflicted with an unknown illness. The thief apologized and offered to return the stone. The thief’s ailment vanished once the figure was returned to the temple.
Because of this incident, the locals believed Lord Shani protected them from harm. As a symbol of their belief in Lord Shani, they removed all locks and doors from their homes and shops.
The villagers believe that anyone who tries to steal or harm them will face the wrath of Lord Shani and will be punished with blindness or bad luck. They also believe that Lord Shani blesses them with prosperity and happiness. This is the legend of Shani Shingnapur, a village with no locks or doors.
Who is allowed to enter the temple?
In 2016, following a protest by women activists, the Bombay High Court of India instructed the temple trust to allow women devotees to enter the inner sanctum of the Shani Shingnapur temple. Since then, women have been allowed to worship Shani Dev on the platform where the idol is placed, along with men.
What is the dress code of Shani Shignapur?
Only men are allowed to enter the platform where the idol of Lord Shani is placed. The men must take a head bath and wear wet clothes (preferably a traditional dhoti) before entering the platform. The women are not allowed to enter the platform, but they can worship from a distance.
The devotees should wear clean and modest traditional attire as a mark of respect to Shani Dev.
How to perform Puja at Shani Shignapur?
The devotees should collect water from the holy well near the temple and use it to bathe the idol of Lord Shani. Some devotees also use sesame oil for worship. The devotees should offer black sesame seeds, black cloth, black chana, black til, and Dakshina to Lord Shani.
These are the favorite items of Shani dev and are believed to please him and get his blessings.
The devotees should do camphor arati and namaskar at the end of the Puja. The devotees should chant the Shani Gayatri Mantra twenty-one times at the end of the puja. The mantra is:
Om Sanaischaraya vidhmahe Sooryaputraya dhimahi, tanno manda prachodayat
Doorless Village
The Shani Shignapur village is famous for its doorless houses. The villages do not have any doors or locks for their homes, or shops.
The villages believe that Shani Dev protects them from any harm and punishes anyone who tries to steal or commit a crime. This unique tradition has been followed for centuries and is a testament to the villagers' faith and devotion to Shani Dev.
Can we take Prasad from Shani Shignapur?
Yes, you can take Prasad from Shani Shingnapur temple. The temple offers quality food to the devotees at a minimal cost in a Prasadalay building near the main temple. The Prasad timings are as follows:
- Breakfast: 7 AM–10 AM
- Lunch: 11 AM–3 PM
- Dinner: 7 PM–10 PM
What are the timings of Shani Shingnapur Temple?
The temple is open 24 hours throughout the week. However, it is advised to check the schedule during festive seasons.
How to reach Shani Shingnapur?
You can reach here by Air, Rail or Road according to your convenience.
Air
The nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai. From there you can book a cab to reach the temple
Rail
The suggested railway stations are Ahamadnagar, Rahuri, Shrirampur, and Belapur.
RoadThis village is about 6 km from Ghodegaon on Aurangabad Ahmednagar road in Maharashtra. From Aurangabad, it is about 84 Km, and from Ahamadnagar it is about 34 Km.
Where to stay near Shani Shingnapur?
You can find accommodations near the temple.
What are some places to visit nearby?
Shirdi: About 70 KM away.
Ajanta and Ellora: About 79 KM.
What is the entry fee?
Entry is free for all.
Conclusion
Shani Shingnapur is a unique village that showcases the faith and devotion of the people towards Lord Shani, the god of justice and karma. The village is famous for its temple of Shani, where a black stone represents the deity, and for its no-door policy, where the villagers believe that Lord Shani protects them from any harm or theft. The village attracts millions of pilgrims every year, who seek the blessings of Lord Shani and witness the miracle of his presence. Shani Shingnapur is not just a place of worship, but also a symbol of harmony, trust, and peace. It is a place where one can experience the power of faith and the grace of God.
