Shani Mandir is one of the oldest and the most significant temples of Indore, where you are going to find a lot of crowd and devotees every Saturday. The popularity of the temple can also be seen by the number of offerings made to it on weekly basis.
Centrally Located
The temple is located in the heart of the city and can be accessed without any difficulties. The temple is visited and worshipped by multitudes of people all over the city and people have a significant belief that whatever their problems are, the temple is going to smoothen all of the difficulties if they visit the Lord every Saturday.
History
This place is continuing from the time of royal Holkar Dynasty. Devi Ahilyabai herself used to come to worship here. Shani Mandir, Juni Indore is the only temple in India where classical music programmes are organised every year in which many renowned artists have come and performed.
Significance
Lord Shani is Son of Lord Surya and Chaya. It is believed that when Lord Shani opened his eyes for the first time after his birth, there was a Solar Eclipse, which is said to have an immense impact on Hindu astrology. It is also said that if Lord Shani is not happy with someone, then there is bound to be miseries. The Lord is also believed to punish anyone who follows the path of Wrong doings, evil, injustice, and betrayal. Most people have an image of Lord Shani that he is a dark God but contrary to popular belief, he is blesses anyone who is righteous and good doer.
Magical Significance ( 300 Years Old Story )
It is believed that 300 years back there was a 20 ft tall plateau (teela) at the place of temple. The temple is famous for the fact that a blind priest, Mr. Gopal Das Tiwari ( ancestor of current poojari) got his eyesight back when Lord Shani appeared in his dreams. When he saw god in the dreams, he pleaded that he really wants to see the world around him to which the lord replied – “Open your eyes and see.” When Mr. Tiwari woke up from his dream, he was able to see everything!
Worship
Too many people in Indore are regular to the Shani Mandir as they have a belief that it is going to bless them with lot of positivity. There is no defined Pooja or offering method and people perform the Abhishek by themselves here using Oil and til. Devotees also take a Parikrama around the idol and light earthen lamps.
Home To Many Beliefs
Every Saturday, it is quite a scene at Shani Mandir. There is lot of crowd in and around the temple and you have to wait for your turn to pour your offerings to the Lord. People have a very strong belief in the temple and it just shows in the way people do it.
The Statue Moved On Its Own
The place where the statue of lord Ram is situated in the temple, there was statue of Lord Shani there but one night, it dragged on its own and came to the place where it is today.
Timings on Saturdays
The temple opens at 5.00 AM in the morning and the Shringaar of the Lord is done followed by the first Aarti of the morning at 7.00 AM. In the afternoon at 1.00 PM, the Shringaar of the Lord is done again for evening Aarti. At 8.00 PM, the temple starts to get the crowd of devotees and this is the time when the Maha Aarti is done. After the Aarti, Bhajan Sandhya is organised till 12.00 Midnight after which the Mandir is closed.
