Shani Shingnapur Temple: The miraculous abode of Shanidev is amazing, where locks are not put on the entire village
Shani Shingnapur Temple: Although there are numerous temples and pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Shani throughout India, only three are considered ancient, miraculous, and extremely important: Siddha Shanidev (Kashivan, Uttar Pradesh); Shani Shingnapur (Maharashtra); and Shanischara Temple (Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh). Of these, Shani Shingnapur is the birthplace of Lord Shanidev, according to mythology and religious beliefs. Let’s take a look at the miracles of these ten temples.
No Thefts in the Village
The Miracle of the son of the shadow is the village of Shingnapur. It is said that the people of this village do not lock their houses, and thefts have never occurred here. It is said that if a resident or visitor attempts to steal from someone’s house, they cannot cross the village boundary before Shanidev’s wrath incites them. If the thief does not confess their crime and seek forgiveness from Lord Shani, they are sent to hell.
Shani, the son of shadow, needs no shade.
Lord of Justice, the son of shadow, resides here in the form of a large black stone, though he has no temple. He also has no canopy over him. The self-manifested idol of the Lord of Justice is black in color. This idol sits in the sun on a marble platform, measuring 5 feet 9 inches tall and 1 foot 6 inches wide. Regardless of the weather—sunshine, rain, storm, or cold—son of shadow stands here for eight hours without a canopy. Despite the presence of trees, there is no shade.
Every Saturday and Shani Amavasya (new moon day) are occasions for special devotion and anointment to the Lord of Justice. Every Saturday is a new moon day. Aarti is performed daily at 4 am and 5 pm. On Shani Jayanti, renowned Brahmins from around the world perform the ‘Small Rudrabhishek.’ This program is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Benefits of Visiting the Temple with Others
Legend has it that a flood once struck Shingnapur, destroying everything in its path. A man saw a large, long stone hanging from a tree. He somehow managed to pull it down. It was an extraordinary stone. When he tried to break it, blood oozed from it. He ran away in fear and told his people what had happened. Hearing this, many people went to the stone and tried to remove it, but none succeeded. Then one night, the man had a dream in which the Lord of Justice said to him, “I am the Lord of Justice himself in the form of that stone. If my uncle and nephew pull me together, I will climb up.” The man told people about this dream. The local uncle, Manje, then picked up the stone and placed it in an open field, exposed to sunlight. Since then, it is believed that uncles and nephews can gain great benefits by visiting this temple together.
A Shepherd Discovered the Temple
Another popular myth is that a shepherd discovered this rock, which symbolizes the Lord of Justice. Lord of Justice himself instructed the shepherd to install it in a public place without building a temple and begin anointing it with oil. Since then, the practice of worshipping Shanidev on a platform and performing oil anointment has been prevalent here.
Looking Back is a Sin
It is said that once a person enters the courtyard to have darshan of the Lord of Justice, they should not look back until they have completed their work and departed after darshan. Doing so denies them Shanidev’s blessings, rendering their trip unsuccessful.
Women are prohibited from entering this temple.
It is said that women are prohibited from entering this temple. Women are not allowed to worship or touch the idol. This is due to several reasons.
Millions of people visit on Amavasya
Due to the immense popularity of Shri Shingnapur, more than 13,000 people visit daily, and the fairs held on Shani Amavasya and Shani Jayanti attract over 1 million people.
Where devotees wear only yellow dhoti
Before visiting Lord of Justice Devta here, men must bathe and wear a yellow dhoti, regardless of the time of day—morning, evening, or summer. Until this is done, men are not allowed to touch the idol of Lord of Justice Dev. As a result, high-class toilet and wardrobe facilities are available here.
Hundreds of kilograms of oil are offered daily.
Darshan relieves the sufferings of the Lord of Justice. This place. Here, people offer oil to the idol of Shanidev. Hundreds of kilos of oil are offered here.
Directions to reach Shingnapur
- Shirdi and Shingnapur are 70 kilometers apart.
- The distance between Nashik and Shingnapur is 170 kilometers.
- The distance between Aurangabad and Shingnapur is 68 kilometers.
- The distance between Ahmednagar and Shingnapur is 35 kilometers.