Known as the abode of Lord Shani (the god representing the planet Saturn), Shani Shingnapur is a small village in Maharashtra. The village is synonymous to the Lord Shani Temple that attracts devotees around the year. Although it’s popular mainly because of the temple, there are many other places to visit in Shani Shingnapur.
Shani Shingnapur is also popular as the only place with no doors. It’s believed that Lord Shani himself protects the vicinity. And this belief is so strong that villagers don’t lock their houses. They believe that thieves won’t dare attempt any trickery here.
Shani Shingnapur is about 70 km from Shirdi. This quaint pilgrimage village is tucked amidst green fields, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Check this list of Shani Shingnapur tourist places to plan your trip. It’s quite a relaxing trip to the countryside. It has a serene atmosphere that provides a glimpse into traditional village life in Maharashtra.
1. Shanidev Temple
Shanidev Temple (colloquially referred to as Shani Shingnapur Temple) is the highlight of the village. It’s an open-air temple dedicated to Lord Shani. It has a Swayambhu idol of the lord in the form of black stone which is believed to have emerged by itself.
The temple is considered a “jagrut devasthan,” meaning that Lord Shani still resides here. And it’s believed that Shanidev protects everyone in the village. This belief is visible in the unique tradition of the village, where houses and commercial establishments have no doors or locks.
Shani Shingnapur Temple draws devotees from across the country. Alongside the idol, you’ll also find a Trishul, the Nandi bull, and images of Lord Shiva and Hanuman.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Distance from Shani Shingnapur: Close to centre of town
2. Tomb of Udasi Baba
Tomb of Udasi Baba is another notable spiritual spot in Shani Shingnapur. Udasi Baba is a revered saint who spent his life in the service of Shri Shanidev and his devotees.
It’s said that Udasi Baba came from a nearby village as a sanyasi boy. He’s believed to have been suffering from some disease due to the wrath of Shanidev. To be cured, he spent his life in the service of the god. Local people used to respect him as poojari baba (or priest).
The tomb is located close to Shanidev temple. And it holds significance among the villagers and the devotees of Lord Shani.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Distance from Shani Shingnapur: Close to centre of town
3. Datta Temple
Datta Temple (also known as Dattatreya Temple) is a small temple close to Lord Shani Temple in Shani Shingnapur. It was built only recently, in 1973. The temple is dedicated to a saint called Dattatreya, believed to be an avatar of the Hindu trinity Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
It has a small statue of Shri Datta Gurudev. And the elaborate carving that went into this statue is an example of the artisans’ skill and the villagers’ dedication. The entire expense for the temple construction was borne by the villagers.
Even though Datta Temple is small, it holds great religious significance for devotees. It attracts many visitors seeking blessings and spiritual guidance.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Distance from Shani Shingnapur: Close to centre of town
4. Lakshmi Temple
Lakshmi Temple (or Gram Devatha Lakshmimatha) is one of the oldest places to visit in Shani Shingnapur. It’s a small temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi close to Shanidev Temple.
The temple is believed to have existed even prior to the installation of Shri Shanidev. And the goddess is considered to be the guardian deity of the village. She drives away evil spirits and brings prosperity and well-being to the village.
This Lakshmi temple also holds a special place in the hearts of the local community. Devotees from nearby villages and towns often visit the shrine to seek her blessings. It attracts crowds during festive occasions, too.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Distance from Shani Shingnapur: Close to centre of town
5. Renuka Darbaar Temple
Renuka Darbaar Temple (also called Renuka Mata Temple) is a unique temple in Sonai village nearby. And it’s counted among the lesser-known places to see near Shirdi Shani Shingnapur. It’s dedicated to Goddess Renuka, an avatar of Goddess Parvati.
The temple is built in the sacred shape of “Om,” and it’s said to be the only one in the entire world with that architecture. Its rajgopuram is visible even from a distance, shining like gold.
The temple complex has idols of many other gods and goddesses apart from Renuka Mata. And daily rituals are performed to worship all deities. An 8-foot-high statue of Goddess Durga has also been installed near the entrance.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
- Distance from Shani Shingnapur: 7 km from centre of town
6. Sai Baba Temple
Sai Baba Temple is a spiritual tourist spot in Shirdi, and it’s one of the most famous pilgrimage places in India. The temple is dedicated to the revered saint Sai Baba, attracting devotees from all over the world to seek his blessings.
The temple complex is spread across a large area, and it has several attractions related to Sai Baba’s life. Samadhi Mandir is the main place of worship here. It contains the mausoleum and a life-size white marble idol of Sai Baba for devotees to seek blessings.
Apart from Sai Baba darshan, you can also sit and listen to bhajans all day long. Arrangements for food and accommodation are available here.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 4.45 AM – 10 PM
- Distance from Shani Shingnapur: 72 km from centre of town
7. Sai Heritage Village
Sai Heritage Village is one of the most serene places to visit in Shirdi and Shani Shingnapur. It’s a theme park and picnic spot that offers a glimpse into the life of Sai Baba.
This heritage park is a unique combination of the beauty of nature and the divinity associated with Sai Baba. You’ll find showcases of various incidents related to Sai Baba through a row of displays and exhibits. You can also ride a toy train and enjoy camel or horse riding here.
The theme park is an excellent place for family fun, relaxation and education. It brings various activities of Sai Baba and the villagers to life. It’s built to resemble the old Shirdi village. The park also has food stalls and a small play area for kids.
- Entry Fee: ₹150 per person
- Timings: 9 AM – 8 PM
- Distance from Shani Shingnapur: 70 km from centre of town
The places to visit in Shani Shingnapur expand beyond Shanidev Temple. You can explore places like Lakshmi Temple, Datta Temple, Renuka Darbaar Temple and many others. And they offer much more than spiritual enlightenment.
A trip to Shani Shingnapur allows you to immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of the countryside. It promises a memorable and rejuvenating journey into rural Maharashtra. During your trip, you can also visit Shirdi nearby. Plan the visit during winter, between November and February, to enjoy a comfortable trip.