Shani Shingnapur Temple -Maharashtra

Unlike various pilgrimage destinations of India that have a legend associated with them The Shani Shingnapur is no exception. Also knows as Sonai it is village situated at a distance of 6 km form Ghodegaon on Aurangabad Ahmednagar Road in Maharashtra. The village is knownfor its popular temple of Shani the Hindu God of the planet Satrun. One of the most remarkable facts about the village Shinganapur is that houses here have no doors or locks on them for safety. The people here have a firm believe that it is the benediction of the God that no crime ever occurs in this village. They believe that God Shani punishes anyone attempting theft. Devotees, pilgrims and tourists arriving in Sonai can leave their valuables in a car, bus with out any lock and they have no worry about anything stealing from it. People over here live a disciplined life abstaining from liquor and meat. The social relations of the people are marked by trust co-operation and empathy.

The shrine of Shani comprises a five and half feet high black rock installed on an open air platform which symbolizes the Lord Shani with the small images of Lord Shiva and Hanuman. Generally the temple has 30-40,000 visitors a day which swells to around 3, 00000 on Amavasya which is considered to be the most auspicious day to appease Lord Shani. A bigger fair is held on this day and a palanquin procession of Shani is held on the day of the fair. Devotees bath Lord Sahni with water and oil and offer flowers and Udid to him. Other festivals celebrated at this place include the birthday of Shani and the Shani Jayanti. Other interesting fact about this temple is that it has no priest. The pooja is carried out in the form of pradakshinas with chanting of specific prayers of Shani. The idol is out in the open as the Lord made it clear in various ways to his devotees. The temple remains open twenty four hours even in the nights.

Shani Shingnapur is 350 km from Mumbai and one can reach there by hiring a taxi or in a state transport bus. The nearest airport is at Aurangabad which is connected by various domestic flights to it. India is full of so many amazing sites that make it incredible. So if you are planning a trip to these unbelievable places just fill the form given below or call us. We will make sure that you see these untouched sites of India and enjoy your trips.