Bengaluru: Shani Shinganapur or Shingnapur in Nevasa Taluka of Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar) district in the state of Maharashtra, for record, sake is just a village. But, when it comes to its popularity it is an international tourist destination as most of the devout Hindus make a beeline to this popular shrine throughout the year.
Bubbling with activity, day in and day out: The pilgrimage town bubbles with incessant activities throughout the day and evening. Unlike usual holy places, there is no temple structure here for the deity Shanideva or Shanaishwara. Shani God associated with the planet Saturn stands here amidst sunshine, wind, rainfall and all adverse climatic conditions in the open blessing his devotees all along.
Installed on an open-air platform: The five-and-a-half-foot-high jet-black rock Diety installed on an open-air platform is believed to be an embodiment of God Shani. A Trishula(trident) is placed by the side of the statue and a Nandi(bull) image is on the southern side while there are small images of Shiva and Hanuman in the front.
Different theories: Although there were attempts to build a sanctum sanctorum and temple structure some time back, they were scuttled paving the way for the natural being of the deity in the open. Multiple theories are propounded on the way the diety came into being. Some believers claim that the stone fell from Saturn's planet while those against it proclaim it has emerged from Mother Earth.
Since the beginning of Kaliyuga: No exact date is known on the origin of the roofless shrine popularly believed to be in existence from the beginning of the Kaliyuga which means 3102 BC according to the ancient astronomer Aryabhata. According to the verses of Hinduism, Kali Yuga happens to be the fourth and the worst of the four yugas. The present Kali Yuga is also said to be full of conflict and sin.
No house with doors in the place: Shani Shinganapur has come to be known for a variety of reasons while houses and shops within a radius of one kilometre with frames but no doors are a prominent reason. Likewise, the Shani temple neither has doors nor locks. People residing in the proximity do believe that the Lord also resides there and anyone attempting will not go without being punished.
Lockless branch of UCO: Contrary to popular belief, thefts have taken place; one in 2010 and another in 2011. But, before them, there have been no cases of theft or burglary. Following zero crime rate in the area, the United Commercial Bank (UCO) launched a milestone by opening a lockless branch, the first of its kind in the country raising an eyebrow from the local police. The Bank has doors which remain open all the time and precautions have been enabled for the safety of lockers and important documents.
Not a single incident: Unbelievable it may sound but happens to be a plain fact that so far there has been not even a single incident of rape, riot or murder. No one from the place has gone to the home of the aged nor has any complaint been lodged with the local police.
Three lakh on New Moon Day: Shani temple witnesses anyway around 30,000-45,000 pilgrims every day while the crowd shoots up to nearly three lakhs on the New Moon Day, said to be the most auspicious day to appease the Shani God. Usually, Saturday considered as the day of worship of Shanideva witnesses a heavy rush of pilgrims.
Women allowed to enter sanctum sanctorum: As per the earlier 400 years tradition women were denied entry into the sanctum sanctorum which was questioned by activist Trupti Desai in 2016. On 26 January she led a group of around 500 women under the group 'Bhumata Ranragani Brigade' demanding entry into the restricted area and were prevented from doing so by the cops. However, in a landmark judgement on 30th March the same year, the Bombay High Court directed the Maharashtra government to ensure that women are not denied entry to any temple. The Shani Shingnapur Trust paved the way for the women devotees to enter the hitherto restricted place from 08 April 2016.
Popularity after the film release: Dr Annasaheb M Navale, Professor and Head of Agricultural Microbiology in the Plant Pathology and Agricultural Microbiology Department, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (MPKV), Rahuri explains-"The shrine became popular with the release of the film 'Surya Putra Shanidev' produced by Gulshan Kumar. The film had Puneet Issar, Mahesh Thakur, Dharmesh Tiwari and Anuradha Paudwal".
No doors since days immemorial: Ghanasham Yogale, who prefers to call himself Shani Shiganapur Babloo runs a shop outside the temple and asserts-"There are no doors or locks to any of the houses, shops, Banks, ATMs and all business establishments in this region ever since the temple in an open platform came into being...
...Blind, Mad: So far no one has dared to venture into any petty crimes like pickpocketing, stealing or robbery of any kind. The reason for such a unique situation prevailing is the strong belief that persists in the minds of the people here that anyone attempting to do so will end up becoming a blind or mad person and will not be allowed to go out of this place...
...From our forefathers' days: This has been the order of the day here for a very long period and we have been hearing about this from our father, grandfather, great grandfather days...
...Do good to remain good: Lord Shani Maharaj is the son of the Sun God and is the God of justice. Whatever good one does and whatever bad one does gets recorded with the Lord. When you do something good in your life you will remain good and doing something wrong will also lead to something bad only. You can see for yourself that it is a tiny village; but thanks to Shani Maharaj, the village has become famous not only in the country but across the world.
Very informative. 👍
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