Bhagwan Shani Dev is a Hindu deity, the son of Surya, the sun god, and his wife, Chhaya, the shadow devi. He is one of the nine grahas (planets) in Hindu astrology and is associated with the planet Saturn.
Shani Dev is often depicted as a dark-skinned god with four arms and a long, flowing beard. He is often shown holding a Trishul (trident) and a skull. He is also often accompanied by a crow. He is worshiped as the god of justice and karma. He is believed to be the judge of the underworld and is responsible for punishing those who have committed evil deeds. He is also believed to be the bestower of good fortune and prosperity.
Shani Dev is a complex and multifaceted deity. He is both feared and revered by Hindus. He is worshipped as a protector and a punisher. He is a reminder that there are consequences for our actions and that we must always strive to do good.
Here's a summary of some of the most famous Shani temples in India:
Shani Shingnapur, Maharashtra
Location: Nevasa Taluka, Ahmednagar District
Unique Feature: The temple is notable for its lack of roof and walls. The deity is represented as a black stone slab placed on a platform called Sonai. The legend states that the slab was found floating in a river and was identified as a divine representation of Shani Dev.
Shani Dham Temple, New Delhi
Location: New Delhi
Unique Feature: Home to the world's tallest statue of Shani Dev, standing 21 feet tall. Devotees believe that sincere prayers here can help overcome obstacles and ailments.
Shaneeswara Bhagavan Temple, Tamil Nadu
Location: Tirunallar
Unique Feature: Part of the major Navagraha temples. Devotees believe that worshipping here alleviates the effects of Shani dosha and misfortunes. The temple also features a holy tank called Nalan Theertam, where taking a dip is believed to cleanse one of afflictions.
Shanichara, Madhya Pradesh
Location: Near Mandla
Unique Feature: One of the oldest Shani temples in India. The idol is said to have been formed from a meteoroid, and it is situated on a hilltop. The legend includes Lord Hanuman placing the idol there to direct Shani Dev's vision onto Lanka.
Bannanje Sri Shani Kshetra, Karnataka
Location: Near Udupi
Unique Feature: Features a tall monolith statue of Lord Shani. Tailabhisheka (ritual bathing with oil) is a significant offering here. Devotees visit for blessings to overcome challenges and obstacles.
Yerdanur Shani Temple, Telangana
Location: Medak District
Unique Feature: Houses a massive 20-foot tall idol of Shani Dev carved from black stone. The temple is known for its rituals involving mustard or sesame oil lamps.
Shani Devalaya, Maharashtra
Location: Deonar, Mumbai
Unique Feature: Known for addressing problems related to dark enchantments and eviction. It is often referred to as the Temple of Saneshwara.
Shaneeswara Kshetram, Kerala
Location: Kottayam District
Unique Feature: Unlike other Shani temples, the idol here is portrayed as a benevolent deity, providing help to those who approach with their problems.
Shani Mahatma Temple, Karnataka
Location: Chikka Madhure
Unique Feature: Built by a local farmer. The temple is especially crowded on Saturdays and during the Hindu Shravan month. Devotees offer black sesame seeds in a small black cloth dipped in sesame oil.
Shani Temple, Madhya Pradesh
Location: Indore
Unique Feature: The idol here is adorned with colorful attire and a crown, and abhishek is performed with milk and water. This temple's practices are distinct from other Shani temples, which typically use sesame oil.
Devotees visit Shani temples primarily on Saturdays to seek relief from Shani-related challenges. Common rituals include feeding crows and worshipping Pipal trees, as these are considered to be associated with Shani Dev. Devotees often avoid making direct eye contact with the deity, adhering to the belief that Shani’s gaze can bring hardship.
These temples not only serve as spiritual centers but also embody the deep-seated cultural and mythological heritage surrounding Bhagwan Shani.
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