As stated by the Maharashtra government temples in the state will be reopened for devotees from the 7th of October.
On the occasion of Navratri, Maharashtra Chief Minister Officer stated that all the temples of Maharashtra will be reopened from the first day of Navratri (i.e. 7th October) following all the Covid protocols. Thus Shanidev Shani Shingnapur Temple will also be open for devotees for darshan.
Although the temples are reopening people still needs to wear masks, use hand sanitizers and follow strict covid protocols while visiting temples in Maharashtra.
Shingnapur Temple Guidelines to follow:-
Shanidev Shani Shingnapur Temple Online Darshan E-pass Booking:-
Shani Shingnapur Temple Online Darshan E-pass Booking Link Click Here
About Shani Shingnapur Temple
Shani Shingnapur temple is located in Shingnapur town of the district Ahamadnagar of Maharashtra. The presiding deity here is “Swayambhu” which means self-evolved. Temple is a “Jagrut Devasthan” which translates into “alive temple”, meaning that the lord still resides in the temple icon.
Shani Shingnapur temple, the shrine for Shani Dev consists of a 5.5 feet high Black Stone fixed on the open-air platform. Unlike other temples, the devotees can perform Pooja, Abhishekam, and other ritual events themselves.
A visit to the temple will surely make your life positive and Lord Shani Dev will shower happiness in your life.
Significance of the Temple
Generally, the temple has 30 to 45 thousand visitors daily but during special days like Amavasya (No Moon Day), which is a most auspicious day to appease Shani Dev, the number of devotees increases to 3 lakhs.
For many years something about 400 years, women were not allowed in this temple. But in the Landmark Judgement on 30 March 2016 Bombay high court asked the Maharashtra government not to deny entry of women to any temple.
Therefore on 8 April 2016, the Shani Shingnapur trust finally allowed the women to enter the temple.
Near the shrine of Shani Dev, a Trishula is fixed along the side 0f the image and a Nandi image is on the southern side.
History of Shani Shingnapur Temple
As per the legends, once the flood has come in Shingnapur due to heavy rain. During which stone came with floodwater and stuck at a berry tree. Later, when it became normal, a few cowherds who were grazing their cattle saw the idol stuck between the branches.
Seeing the idol they tried to remove it from the branch. So they poked the idol with the stick and suddenly the blood started coming out of the stone. Cowherds tried hard to pull but all the effort went vain and they left the place.
Shani Dev appeared in the dream of the cowherd and said that the idol only can be pulled off by his maternal uncle and nephew. The devotees after pulling the idol try to fix an idol on their own but it could not get a fix. After a few tries, it got fixed at the present place in the open air.
Shani Dev refused to have a roof. Although there is the whole sky as the roof for him. Shani Dev asked the shepherd to do daily pooja and “Tailabhisheka” every Saturday without fail.
Why there are “No Doors” or “Locks” in the houses of Shingnapur?
Because Shani Dev ensured the people of the town that they will never suffer from the thievery and loot. Therefore Shani dev is kept in the open yard even today without the roof. Surprisingly there is no incident of things getting stolen even though the houses do not have doors.
In the years 2010 and 2011, some people tried to steal things from the town but, it is said that they died in a few minutes. From that to date no such incidence of stealing has come to know in the town.
Shanidev Shani Shingnapur Temple Timings:
- Shani Shingnapur is open for 24 hours for the devotees.
Rules to follow when you visit the temple
- Only men can be on the platform for worshipping Shani Dev.
- Devotees must take a head bath and get on the platform in wet clothes.
- Devotes have to be bare-head (not wear a cap or a covering on the head).
- Devotees strictly have to take water from the holy well for worshipping Lord Shani.
- Devotees have to use sesame oil for worship.
How to reach Shani Shingnapur
By Air
The nearest airport to Shani Shingnapur is at Shirdi which is at a distance of 77 km from the temple. Shirdi will be the option if you planning to visit by the air, Devotees can also have the Darshan of Shridi Baba at Shirdi, and after that one can visit the Shani Dev. Which is easily accessible from the Shirdi, as many local transportation facilities are available to reach the Shani Dev temple.
By Train
The nearest railway station to Shani Dev temple is Ahmednagar which is 39 km from the temple. From the railway station, one can easily reach the temple, taking private taxis or state buses for reaching the temple.
By Road
Shani Shingnapur is connected to many big cities in the state, so devotees can easily drive to Shani Shingnapur.
FAQs
Q.1 Are there any entry fees for the Shani Shingnapur temple?
Q.2 What is the dress code of the Shani Shingnapur temple?
Q.3 Which are the main festivals of the Shani Shingnapur?
Q.4 Can ladies enter the Shani Shingnapur temple?
Q.5 What is the distance between Shirdi and Shingnapur?
Q.5 Is Shani Shingnapur Temple open?
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