Shingnapur Shani Stone Temple, Maharashtra

Address

Shani Shingnapur

Maharashtra

Moolavar

Lord Shani

Introduction

Shani Shingnapur is a village in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Situated in Nevasa Taluka in Ahmednagar district, the village is known for its popular temple of Shani, the god associated with the planet (graha) Saturn. The village is 35 kilometres from the city of Ahmednagar.

Puranic Significance

The story of the swayambhu statue handed down from generations through word of mouth, goes something like this: When the Shepherd touched the stone with a pointed rod, the stone started bleeding. The shepherds were astounded. Soon the whole village gathered around to watch the miracle. On that night Lord Shaneeshwara appeared in the dream of the most devoted and pious of the shepherds.

He told the shepherd that he is “Shaneeshwara”, and a unique looking black stone is his swayambhu form. The shepherd prayed and asked the lord whether he should construct a temple for him. To this, Lord Shani said there is no need for a roof as the whole sky is his roof and he preferred to be under open sky. He asked the shepherd to do daily pooja and ‘Tailabhisheka’ every Saturday. He also promised the whole hamlet will have no fear of dacoits or burglars or thieves.

So, Lord Shanaishwara can be seen even today, in the open yard without any roof. To this day, there are no doors for any houses, shops, temples. Due to the fear of Lord Shani, none of the structures, be it dwelling houses, huts, shops, etc. situated within one kilometer radius of this Lord Shani temple have doors or locks. No thievery or burglary was reported until 2010 when first theft was reported and again another one was reported in 2011. Shani Shingnapur is visited daily by thousands of devotees praying for Lord Shaneswara’s blessings. The place is busiest on Saturdays.

Special Features

The temple is believed to be a “jagrut devasthan” (lit. “Alive temple”), meaning that a deity still resides in the temple. Villagers believe that god Shani punishes anyone attempting thievery. The deity here is “Swayambhu” (Sanskrit: self-evolved deity) that is self-emerged from earth in form of black, imposing stone. Though no one knows the exact period, it is believed that the Swayambhu Shanaishwara statue was found by shepherds of the then local hamlet. It is believed to be in existence at least since the start of Kali Yuga.

The shrine for Shani consists of a five and a half foot high black rock installed on an open-air platform, which symbolizes the god Shani. A Trishula (trident) is placed along the side of the statue and a Nandi (bull) image is on the south side. In front are the small images of Shiva and Hanuman.

Belief

Shani Thrayodashi is also considered to be a favourite day of the lord. Similarly Saturday falling on ‘Amavasya’ (New moon day in Sanskrit and many other Indian languages) is considered to be a favourite day of the Lord Shanaishwara and on those days’ devotees seeking his blessings throng this temple in huge numbers. In the history of the village, there has not been a single incident of riot, murder. It is believed that nobody from the village has ever gone to a home of the aged, nor has there been a single complaint lodged in a police station