Its about 160km from Pune ( but we take Pune to Shirdi to Shani Shignapur route always ) and we have visited this place 2 times already, every time we visit Shirdi we visit this temple too .
The way to Sani Shignapur is cultivated with sunflower and sugarcane fields on both sides of the roads , local people use bull to extract juice from the sugarcane, instead of machines and this type of juice extraction centres are known as Rasavanthy . Additionally they add lemon and ginger to enhance the taste .
Beautifully decorated swings with balloons and chairs to sit are another set of attractions on the way to Shani Shignapur . You can relax and have fun remembering your childhood days .
This village has a unique significance, all houses even banks dont have doors as there is no robbery or theft happened in this place . If at all happened they will be punished by “Sani Mahadev “. We can offer sesame oil to this idol as constantly they do Tailabishegham ,(as sesame being the grain for sani graha).
The story of the swayambhu statue handed down from generations through word of mouth, goes something like this: When the Shepherd touched the stone with a pointed rod, the stone started bleeding. The shepherds were astounded. Soon the whole village gathered around to watch the miracle. On that night Lord Shanaishwara appeared in the dream of the most devoted and pious of the shepherds. He told the shepherd that he is “ Lord Shanishwara”. He also told that the unique looking black stone is His swayambhu form. The shepherd prayed and asked the Lord whether he should construct a temple for him. To this, Lord Shani Mahadev said there is no need for a roof as the whole sky is his roof and he preferred to be under open sky. He asked the shephered to do daily pooja and ‘Tailabhisheka’ every Saturday without fail. He also promised the whole hamlet will have no fear of dacoits or burglars or thieves. ( Source : Wikipedia )
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