Ancient Shani Dev Temple Wagholi, Vasai, Palghar

The Shani Temple located in the scenic village of Wagholi in Palghar district is renowned. The main attractions here are the replica of the Shila (sacred stone) from the Shani Shingnapur temple, situated under the open blue sky across twelve acres of land, and the idol of Shani Dev housed in a tiled temple built through a fusion of new and old styles, following the architectural traditions of Konkan and Kerala. A unique feature of this place is the Deepotsav (festival of lamps) held every Saturday after sunset. Nestled in the lap of nature, the temple premises, with facilities like lush greenery, a swing garden, and a tree house, make this place an ideal destination for tourists alongside devotees.

According to mythological legends, Shani is the son of Surya (the Sun God). Yama is his younger brother. His mother’s name was Chhaya. Angered by Surya’s neglect of Chhaya, Shani waged war against Surya and defeated him. In the ‘Shanaishchar Stotra’ composed by Dasharatha, Shani is given names such as Konanaka, Raudra, Babhru, Krishna, Pingala, Manda, and Sauri. It is said that Shani’s vehicle is a buffalo, though sometimes a kite and a pigeon are also mentioned as his vehicles. Shani is mentioned in the Markandeya Purana, dating from the third to the fifth century. The glory of Shani is described in the ‘Shani Mahatmya’ written by the author Tatyaji Mahipat, who lived between the thirteenth and sixteenth centuries.

This Shani temple was built by the family of Jaywant Naik of Wagholi in Nalasopara West. The management of the temple is overseen by the Phulare Charitable Trust, run by Jaywant Naik and his brother Kishore Naik. The Naik family has been devotees of Shani Dev for a long time. Previously, they would regularly visit a Shani temple near Vasai every Saturday. In the year 2010, after receiving a divine vision from Shani Dev, Jaywant Naik decided to build a temple for Shani Dev on his own land. The foundation stone for the temple was laid on 27 February 2010. About 150 workers labored day and night to construct this temple. The idol of Shani Dev in the temple was ordered from Jaipur. The Naik family had not initially planned to install a replica of the Shani Shila. However, the company that sent the idol from Jaipur also sent the Shani Shila along with it. Therefore, this replica was also installed here. The stone used for the pedestal of this Shila was brought from Nevasa. After the temple construction was completed in just 90 days, the idol and the Shila were ceremoniously installed on 28 May 2010.

This temple is located in Wagholi village in Nalasopara West. Near the main entrance stands a statue of the late Dharma Phulare. On the path leading to the temple, replicas of cannons and bullock cart wheels, along with lamps, have been placed. To the right of these replicas, on a pedestal under the open sky, stands the replica of the Shani Shila from Shani Shingnapur, supported by pillars in the middle of an open ring. There is a Galantika (water-dripping vessel) above the Shila replica. In front of the Shila is a brass idol of Hanuman. Devotees perform oil abhishek on the Shani Shila replica with their own hands. The mythological story behind this is that Ravana had imprisoned the Navagrahas along with many other deities. Hanuman, who had come to Lanka in search of Mother Sita, set Lanka on fire. During that inferno, the imprisoned deities and planets fled; however, Shani was tied upside down and could not escape. He was surrounded by flames. At that moment, Hanuman’s gaze fell upon Shani. Seeing Shani writhing in pain, Hanuman brought him down and applied sesame oil to his body. This eased Shani’s pain. Shani then declared that anyone who offers oil to his body and also worships Hanuman on his day, which is Saturday, would always remain under his grace. Because of this, all devotees offer oil to Shani with great devotion. The oil used at this Shani temple is sold by self-help groups. However, the sesame oil offered on the replica is not wasted. It is mixed with extracts of medicinal herbs and, through a proper process, the resulting oil is distributed free of charge as Prasad to the elderly and the sick for massage.

Near this Shila is the temple housing the idol of Shani Dev. This tiled temple makes extensive use of wood. The structure consists of a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The Sabha Mandap is also adorned with lamps. In the Garbhagriha, on a Vajrapitha, stands the east-facing black idol of Shani Dev. This crowned idol holds a royal scepter in its left hand and a trident in its right hand. The lower left hand is in a blessing posture, and the lower right hand is directed downwards. Behind the idol of Shani Dev is his vehicle, the buffalo.

A large number of devotees visit here every Saturday. Every Saturday after sunset, all electric lights in the temple premises are switched off. The entire area is then bathed in the glow of lamps. The Aarti is performed in the light of these lamps. This sight is mesmerizing. Festivals like Shani Jayanti, Shani Amavasya, and Hanuman Jayanti are celebrated here. Every Saturday during the month of Shravan, programs such as Shri Shani Puja, Homa-Havan, and Mahaprasad are held. Devotees can have Darshan of Shani Dev in this temple from 7:00 AM to 8:45 PM.

In the temple premises, there is also a temple containing idols of Saint Balumama, his guru Mule Maharaj, and Vitthal-Rakhumai. Saint Balumama was a miraculous figure in the modern saint tradition. He was born on 3 October 1892 in the village of Akkol in Chikodi taluka of Karnataka. His guru lineage was Dattatreya – Nrusinghsaraswati – Swami Narayan Maharaj – Mouni Maharaj – Mule Maharaj. He gave his devotees the core mantra of constant remembrance of the name and chanting of Ramkrishna Hari. He attained Samadhi at Adamapur on 4 September 1966, on Shravan Vadya Chaturthi. There is a Balumama temple in Chembur, Mumbai. There is no temple of his in the Palghar belt. Therefore, this temple was built with the intention that his devotees, especially those from the Dhangar community, could have his Darshan here instead of having to travel to Adamapur. Every Amavasya, a Bhandara (community feast) is organized here in the name of Balumama.

To the left of the Shani temple stands a structure named ‘Manibhavan’, built by the Naik family in memory of their mother. Devotees can meditate here. The temple premises feature a beautiful garden with various trees, including a Rudraksha tree. There are also many play facilities for small children. Nearby, there is a tiled ‘Tree House’ made of wood, where devotees and tourists take a moment to rest. The area also includes a ‘Swing Garden’, where devotees spend relaxing time with their families while sitting on the many swings available. The entire temple premises are illuminated by solar energy.

On Saturdays, food items prepared by locals are sold within the temple premises. These include traditional Maharashtrian delicacies such as Zunka-Bhakar, Thalipith, Batata Vada, Puran-Poli, Modak, Kharvas, and Alu Vadi. Through the Phulare Trust, health and blood donation camps, distribution of educational materials to needy students in the area, food and Natya Sangeet festivals, one-act plays, and various sports competitions are organized throughout the year.

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