5 Famous Shani Temples You Can Visit in India

Lord Shani, a highly esteemed deity in Hindu Mythology, is widely venerated across India. Born to Surya and Chhaya, he is revered as the embodiment of karma and justice.

Legend has it that Lord Shani bestows outcomes upon individuals according to their thoughts, speech, and actions. Numerous temples dedicated to Lord Shani dot the landscape of India. If you are contemplating a visit to one of these temples, here's a compilation of the five most renowned ones. Delve into their significance and understand why they attract devotees of Lord Shani Dev.

# Shani Shinganapur, Maharashtra

Have you heard of the village where homes have neither doors nor locks? This is the story of Shani Shinganapur. Its residents are devout followers of Lord Shani, the deity associated with Saturn, believing that their guardian is none other than the lord himself.

Legend has it that 300 years ago, a black slab emerged from the Panasnala River that once flowed through the village. When touched by locals, the slab began to ooze blood. In a dream, Lord Shani appeared to the village head, declaring the slab as his own idol to be kept uncovered so that he could oversee the village.

Ever since, devotees from across the country visit the temple seeking Lord Shani's blessings. Residents keep their doors unlocked, trusting that Lord Shani will inflict blindness upon any would-be thief.

# Shani Dham, Delhi

In the capital, Shani Dham boasts the world's tallest statue of Lord Shani, installed in 2003. This temple has since become a major attraction for Lord Shani devotees. Before the statue's unveiling, Shree Shani Dham Peethadeshwar Sant Shiromani Shani Charanuragi 'Datti' Madan Maharaj Rajasthani ji chanted Shani mantras over 100 crore and 32 lakh times. Devotees believe that worshiping Lord Shani here resolves all their troubles.

# Thirunallar, Tamil Nadu

Thirunallar, a small town in Karaikal, Puducherry, is renowned for its temple dedicated to Lord Saturn, Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple. According to legend, King Nala was cured of his afflictions caused by Saturn's influence after worshiping here. The place has been known as Nala Theertam ever since. Devotees from around the world come here to bathe and seek relief from problems or illnesses caused by past karma.

# Shanichara, Madhya Pradesh

Another revered temple dedicated to Lord Shani, Shanichara temple draws devotees from across the globe. Legend has it that when Lord Hanuman threw Lord Shani from Lanka, he landed here. The temple houses a shrine where Lord Shani was supposedly brought from Lanka. People believe that circumambulating the Shani Parvat here can relieve them from Lord Shani's curse.

# Shani Temple, Indore

The Shani Temple in Indore has multiple legends associated with it. According to one tale, dating back to the royal Holkar Dynasty, Devi Ahilyabai visited to worship Lord Shani. In another story from 300 years ago, a blind priest regained his eyesight after dreaming of Lord Shani. According to yet another legend, the idol of Lord Shani originally resided where the statue of Lord Rama stands today, having moved there on its own accord one night.