Shani Shingnapur is a village in the state of Maharashtra in India. It is a very popular and holy pilgrimage for many across the country. It is situated in the nevasa taluka district of Ahemdnagar, Shingnapur village is 35km away from Ahmednagar city.
The place was also famous for the fact that all the doors and the window frames were usually kept open and never closed succumbing to fear of theft until 2010.
The temple is believed to be a "jagrut devasthan", meaning that a deity still resides in the temple icon. Villagers believe that god Shani punishes anyone attempting theft. The deity here is "Swayambhu" 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 village. It is believed to be in existence since the start of Kali yuga.
Earlier according to 400 year old tradition the women were not allowed to enter the temple But a revolutionary attempt made by 500 women led by Trupti Desai demanded entry of women in the inner section of the temple and were granted permission by Bombay High court and temple trust members.
Ona daily basis around 30-45000 people visit the temple , the count rises upto 3,00,000 on the day of Amavasya (no-moon day).
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Significance of "Bhasma Aarti " in Mahakal Ujjain
