Shani Shignapur Temple (Maharashtra) all Information

Located in the Ahmadnagar district of Maharashtra, the Shani Shignapur Temple is considered to be a Jeet Devasthan, or a temple of Lord Shani. The deity is believed to be residing in a black stone till date.

On a scientific note, Lord Shani symbolizes the Saturn planet while according to the belief the Lord was emerged in the form of a black stone. Saturday, Shri Shaneshchar Jayanti and Amavasya are considered the holiest days.

Key Points about the Temple

• Location : Shani Shingnapur, District Ahmadnagar, Maharashtra-414105
• Affiliation : Hinduism
• Deity : Lord Shani
• Timings : 12:00 am to 12:00 pm
• Entry Fee : Free Entry
• Photography : Prohibited
• Festivals : Shani Amavasya, Shri Shaneshchar Jayanti

Architecture of the Temple

The temple has no building, roofs walls or doors. It has only a platform on which about five and a half feet black stone is placed. This stone symbolizes Lord Shani, and is placed under the open sky. The devotees made offering of mustard oil to the deity, and there is also an image of Nandi, Lord Hanuman, and Lord Shiva in the shrine.

Legend of the Temple

1. Shani Shignapur: A city without doors and locks

The well known fact about the city is that the houses in the city have no doors and locks. But even after this, no complain about theft is reported until 2010 and 2011. However, the people claimed that the thieves died after sometime because they tried to steal.

2. The story of Swayambhu

Long time ago, according to the myth, it is believed that a shepherd touched the deity (the black stone) with a rod. That day, the god came in his dream asserting that the black stone is his Swayambhu (alive) form. Believing the dream, the shepherd asked the deity for the permission to build the temple but the god has refused. God directed him to do only offering of mustard oil on every Saturday and ensured the village to not suffer any loss because of thievery.

Entry to Women

Even after being the one of the famous and holiest temples, Shani Shignapur Temple has prohibited the entry of women for more than 400 years. However, on 8 April 2006, a history was made by allowing the women to visit the shrine after they had protested against the tradition.

Famous Festivals

Though devotees can visit the temple anytime but visiting it during festivals is considered to be more auspicious. Below two festivals are considered very significant-

1. Shani Amavasya- This day, better known as a new moon day, is considered as the favorite day of Lord Shani. On this day, the deity is bathed with water, flower and oil. Hundreds of devotees visit the temple this day.

2. Shri Shaneschar Jayanti- This day is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Shani. Celebrated in May, this day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and celebrated like a magnificent festival.

Visiting Hours

• There is no fee for entry.
• The temple is open all days of the week.
• The timing of the shrine is from 12:00 am to 12:00 pm.
• The temple is open on all seasons but September and November month is considered to be the best time to visit the holy place.

How to reach the Temple?

• By Air-Aurangabad Airport is 90 km away from the temple.
• By Train-Shirdi Railway Station and railway station of Rahuri (Ahmadnagar) is the nearest railway station from the site.
• By Road- The temple is well connected with private taxis and Maharashtra State Transport Road (MSRTC) from the temple.