Ancient Shanaishwar Devasthan, Shanishinganapur, Nevase, Ahilyanagar

In the country, three places of Lord Shani are recognized as Siddha Peethas. These include Shani Shingnapur (Maharashtra), Kokila Van (Vrindavan), and Gwalior (on the banks of the Gomti). Among the three Siddha Peethas, Shani Shingnapur receives the highest footfall of devotees. The village of Shingnapur in Nevasa Taluka is known for the temple of Lord Shani. This site of Lord Shani is considered ‘Jagrut’ (awakened). Devotees believe that Lord Shani still resides here today. This is the reason why houses in this village do not have doors or locks, and theft never occurs here, which is the unique feature of this place.

The legend of the temple states that about 350 to 400 years ago, a heavy downpour caused a flood in the river at Shingnapur. At that time, a black stone slab was washed ashore and got stuck in a Ber tree. After the floodwaters receded, some shepherds and cowherds from the village went to graze their cattle. They spotted this black stone slab. When they tried to move it with a stick, blood began to ooze from the stone. Seeing blood coming from the stone, they were terrified and ran away. When they reached the village and informed the villagers, a crowd gathered to see the stone. That night, Lord Shani appeared in a dream to a devotee and said, “I have arrived on the riverbank near your village; bring me to the village and install me.” The next day, when the devotee told the villagers about the dream, they took an ox cart to bring the Shani stone. Everyone tried to place it on the cart, but the stone would not budge. After all efforts failed, they returned to the village.

The next night, Lord Shani again appeared in a dream to the same devotee and said, “Only those who are maternal uncle and nephew can lift me.” Accordingly, the next day, a maternal uncle and his nephew went to the spot, easily lifted the stone, brought it to the village, placed it on a platform, and performed its consecration.

After entering through the main gate of the Shani temple, the black stone slab of Lord Shani is situated on a marble platform in an open courtyard. One must wear saffron-colored clothes to perform the puja of Lord Shani. Devotees offer sesame oil, black sesame seeds, and black urad dal to Lord Shani. He is also fond of horseshoes and ‘Nazar Bahuli’ (a protective charm). There is a well here, and its water is used to perform Abhishekam on Lord Shani. The water from this well is not used for any other purpose. There is no roof over the Shani stone here; it is under the open sky. It is said that Lord Shani does not accept any form of shelter over him. Previously, whenever attempts were made to build a temple around the platform, the structure would constantly collapse. Currently, there is a large neem tree to the north of the platform where the Shani stone is located. If any branch of that tree grows and its shadow falls on the stone, the leaves of that branch wither and fall off.

Devotees believe that by having Darshan at the Shani Shingnapur temple, one’s Shani Dosha (planetary affliction) is removed. Lord Shani is also considered the deity of justice. The Amavasya (new moon day) in the month of Jyeshtha is celebrated as Shani Jayanti. It is said that if a person is suffering from the effects of ‘Sade Sati’ (the seven-and-a-half-year cycle of Saturn), offering oil on this stone at Shani Shingnapur on Shani Jayanti reduces their suffering. On the Amavasya that falls on a Saturday, thousands of devotees come to Shani Shingnapur for Darshan.

It is a belief regarding Shingnapur that no one can commit theft in this village, which is protected by Lord Shani. Whoever attempts to steal is punished by Lord Shani. Therefore, houses and offices here are not locked. It is said to be the only village of its kind in the country. Notably, even the door of the nationalized UCO Bank branch here has no lock. Aarti is performed in the temple daily at 4:30 AM, 12:00 PM, and at sunset. The Shani Shingnapur Temple Trust has provided many facilities for devotees, including low-cost meals and accommodation (Bhakta Niwas).

Before 2016, women were not permitted to go onto the platform of Lord Shani. On 26 January 2016, hundreds of women marched to the temple. They wanted to enter the platform of Lord Shani, but the police stopped them; however, on 30 March 2016, the Bombay High Court ordered the Maharashtra government to allow women access to the platform. Since then, women have also been able to go onto the platform of Lord Shani and perform puja.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery