Shani Shingnapur
Overview:
Places to Visit:
The overwhelming spectacle of Sri Shaneshwara or Lord Shanidev deity made of black stone is worshipped with utmost reverence and devotion by multitudes of people from all over the world. The shrine gained the pinnacle of its popularity due to the decade old cult film ‘Surya Putra Shanidev’. In sharp contrast from other place of worship, a unique aspect of this place is that there is only a simple open-air platform on which the ‘Swayambhu’ idol, in black stone is installed, without any temple structure housing it. A Trishula (trident) is placed beside the idol and a Nandi (bull) image is on the south side. Idols of Shiva and Hanuman are placed behind the idol. Devotees here perform the ‘puja’ or ‘abhishek’ and other religious rituals themselves. Thousands of devotees queue up throughout the day to bathe the idol with buckets of oil and water and offer flowers. Within the temple, the air is electric with the fervor of devotion. Till today, water poured over the idol is used as a cure for snakebite. The temple doors are open at all times. The massive temple complex is extremely clean with several facilities for devotees like, a reception center, book stall, drinking water facilities, etc.
The Samadhi (Tomb) of Sant Shri Udasi Baba, is right in front of the Sri Shaneshwara Temple. Udasi Baba had stayed in Shingnapur devoting his entire life worshipping Shani Maharaj and helping other devotees. There are also three unknown Samadhis.
Apart from Sri Shaneshwara temple visitors also visit Shri Dattatraya Temple. It is a very beautiful temple surrounded by serene nature. It is located around forty kilometers from Shignapur Village. Dedicated to Lord Dattatraya, believed to be an embodiment of the three chief divine powers of Hindu mythology. The idols of Kailashapati Shankar, Vighnaharta Ganesh and Vaikunthapati Vishnu have been installed, on requests from the devotees.
Things To Do:
The temple attracts approximately 40,000 visitors per day, which swells to above 300,000 on ‘Amavasya’ (new moon day), believed to be the most auspicious day to appease Lord Shani. A fair in honor of the deity is also held on this day, although bigger festivals are held on new moon days that fall on Saturdays (Shani Amavashya), a palanquin procession of Shani is also held on the day of the fair. ‘Shri Shaneshchar Jayanti’ or the birthday of Shani is another celebrated occasion.
Since 1991, on Aashadi Ekadashi of every year, Shaneshwar Palki is taken on foot from Shanishingnapur to Pandarpur, with great fanfare. Everyone participate in this fest. Similarly, during Ekanaathi Shashti of every year, all the devotees participate in taking Shaneshwar Palki from Shanishingnapur to Paithan on foot, with great fanfare.
A visit to The UCO branch could also prove to be an experience like none other.
Made
popular by the wonders of the temple dedicated to Lord Shani, the Hindu god of
the planet (graha) Saturn and the No-doors-or-locks-in-houses policy of the
village; travelling to Shani Shinganapur is a peculiar and unique experience.
Singularly differentiating this village from the rest of the world is the fact;
that the village houses only have door frames, with only curtains to provide
privacy and security from the world instead of doors and locks. It is also
inspiring to know that despite having no doors there are absolutely no thefts
reported. The villagers firmly believe that it is the benediction of Shani
Maharaj, who wouldn’t let any crime occur and protect them from thieves and
wrong doers. The locals do not keep their valuables under lock and key. Noting
the near-zero crime rate in the region, United Commercial (UCO) Bank took the
bold step of inaugurating the world’s first and only, 'lockless' bank in
January 2011. The completely functional and operational branch of the bank has doors,
however adapting the local culture, these doors remain open. Devotees and
tourists alike, travelling to Shani Shingnapur to either pay homage or being a
part of the festivities, would benefit from renting a car for a comfortable journey. Shani
Shingnapur is about thirty five kilometers from Ahmadnagar city and about 160 kilometers
northeast of Pune and 84 kilometers from Aurangabad. From Mumbai it is about
453 kilometers. It is also accessible from Shirdi, being just 65 kilometers. Tourists hiring taxi cabs for
travelling would avoid packed buses and trains, and may make brief stops
at any of the roadside hotel, to savor traditionally prepared, delicious Puri
Baaji and Poha, and fresh sugarcane juice, extracted in an absolutely unique
fashion. There are various
places of tourist interest in and around the place that tourists can also visit
by renting a car. Car rentals are also popular as travelling by car is both
fast and comfortable.
Places to Visit:
The overwhelming spectacle of Sri Shaneshwara or Lord Shanidev deity made of black stone is worshipped with utmost reverence and devotion by multitudes of people from all over the world. The shrine gained the pinnacle of its popularity due to the decade old cult film ‘Surya Putra Shanidev’. In sharp contrast from other place of worship, a unique aspect of this place is that there is only a simple open-air platform on which the ‘Swayambhu’ idol, in black stone is installed, without any temple structure housing it. A Trishula (trident) is placed beside the idol and a Nandi (bull) image is on the south side. Idols of Shiva and Hanuman are placed behind the idol. Devotees here perform the ‘puja’ or ‘abhishek’ and other religious rituals themselves. Thousands of devotees queue up throughout the day to bathe the idol with buckets of oil and water and offer flowers. Within the temple, the air is electric with the fervor of devotion. Till today, water poured over the idol is used as a cure for snakebite. The temple doors are open at all times. The massive temple complex is extremely clean with several facilities for devotees like, a reception center, book stall, drinking water facilities, etc.
The Samadhi (Tomb) of Sant Shri Udasi Baba, is right in front of the Sri Shaneshwara Temple. Udasi Baba had stayed in Shingnapur devoting his entire life worshipping Shani Maharaj and helping other devotees. There are also three unknown Samadhis.
Apart from Sri Shaneshwara temple visitors also visit Shri Dattatraya Temple. It is a very beautiful temple surrounded by serene nature. It is located around forty kilometers from Shignapur Village. Dedicated to Lord Dattatraya, believed to be an embodiment of the three chief divine powers of Hindu mythology. The idols of Kailashapati Shankar, Vighnaharta Ganesh and Vaikunthapati Vishnu have been installed, on requests from the devotees.
Things To Do:
The temple attracts approximately 40,000 visitors per day, which swells to above 300,000 on ‘Amavasya’ (new moon day), believed to be the most auspicious day to appease Lord Shani. A fair in honor of the deity is also held on this day, although bigger festivals are held on new moon days that fall on Saturdays (Shani Amavashya), a palanquin procession of Shani is also held on the day of the fair. ‘Shri Shaneshchar Jayanti’ or the birthday of Shani is another celebrated occasion.
Since 1991, on Aashadi Ekadashi of every year, Shaneshwar Palki is taken on foot from Shanishingnapur to Pandarpur, with great fanfare. Everyone participate in this fest. Similarly, during Ekanaathi Shashti of every year, all the devotees participate in taking Shaneshwar Palki from Shanishingnapur to Paithan on foot, with great fanfare.
A visit to The UCO branch could also prove to be an experience like none other.
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