Who Is Shaneshwara Swamy
Shaneshwara Swamy, also known as Shani or Saturn, is an important Hindu deity associated with justice, and believed to reward or punish people based on their actions. The worship of Shaneshwara Swamy has been an integral part of Hindu culture for centuries and is deeply rooted in ancient mythology.
According to Hindu mythology, Shaneshwara Swamy is the son of Surya, the Sun God, and Chhaya. As a child, Shaneshwara was born with a dark complexion and a fearsome appearance, which caused his father to treat him unfairly, leading to a curse from Shaneshwara that caused his father to suffer from leprosy.
Realizing the gravity of his actions, Shaneshwara embarked on a penance to appease his father. He was eventually granted the power to influence the destinies of humans, but was also cursed to cause misfortune and suffering to those who had committed wrong deeds and bring hardships to their lives. This makes him a deity closely associated with the concept of karma, which emphasizes the consequences of one’s actions.
Today, Shaneshwara Swamy is worshipped in many temples across India, and his followers perform special rituals and offer prayers to seek his mercy and blessings. The worship of Shaneshwara Swamy is believed to bring good fortune and blessings to those who lead righteous lives and follow the path of dharma.
In summary, the history of Shaneshwara Swamy is steeped in mythology and closely tied to the concept of karma. He is revered as a powerful deity who can influence the destinies of humans, and worshipped by many for his ability to bring both rewards and punishments based on one’s actions.
Temple In Shani Shingnapur
This is the tale of Shani Shingnapur, a village in Nevasa taluka in Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra, where the inhabitants do not use any kind of security measures. The foundation of their unwavering faith lies in Lord Shani (Saturn), who is revered in Hindu mythology as the God of Death and the one who delivers people’s results based on their karma.
The Legend of Shani Shingnapur dates back 300 years, according to stories and legends. After a heavy downpour of rain, the villagers discovered a heavy rock slab washed up on the shores of the Panasnala River. When they poked it with a stick, blood began to ooze out of it, leaving everyone astounded and believing it to be a miraculous event. Lord Shani then appeared in the village head’s dream that night
and revealed that the rock was his own idol. He commanded that the rock be kept in the village on an open platform and not be sheltered, so that it could keep the whole village under its watchful eye. Lord Shani blessed the village head and told him that he would protect the village from all forms of danger.
After installing the rock on the open platform in the heart of the town, the villagers collectively agreed to remove all locks and doors from the village. They had nothing to fear now that the Lord himself was watching over them. This tradition of not using any doors has persisted in the village, even in new constructions. Interestingly, even the public toilets in the village do not have doors or latches, only a thin curtain for privacy. The locals sometimes cover the entrance to their homes with a panel to keep stray dogs away. However, all belongings, from jewellery to money, are left unsecured due to their unwavering faith in Lord Shani.
This unusual mix of history, culture, and myth has made Shani Shingnapur a popular destination for devotees. According to statistics, around 40,000 people visit the shrine each year to offer prayers and seek guidance. Women were previously forbidden from entering the temple, but now they are permitted to enter the inner sanctum and offer their prayers.