World’s Only No-Door Village – Shani Shingnapur Travel Guide
Have you ever heard of this No-Door village of Shani Shingnapur? Yes, you heard me right! There is a village in Maharashtra known by the name of Shani Shingnapur, popularly called the “No-door village”.
Located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, the houses in the Shani Shingnapur village are constructed without doors. Imagine a whole village where all the shops and houses are left open and the locals never feel unsafe, despite this unusual practice.
Also Read: Secrets Of Skeleton Lake, Uttarakhand: Roopkund Dark History
About No-Door Village Of Shani Shingnapur
This village without doors, Maharashtra has literally taken the term “Bhagwaan Bharose” (In God We Trust) to the next level! This is the story of the No-Door village of Shani Shingnapur, where the locals feel safe with their undying faith in their local deity Shani Dev (Saturn God), whose temple is located in the heart of this village.
The villagers strongly believe in the Shani Dev and look up to him as their protector from bad and evil actions. Their belief is so strong that they do not care about their belongings, even when they are out of town. They do not even ask their neighbors to keep a watch on their no-door village house, as they know that their lord will protect them, no matter what.
In today’s world, when we are striving to get high-tech security systems to prevent theft, robbery, and loss of precious belongings, this unique No-Door Village is certainly one of a kind in the whole world. I’m sure that more than just faith and belief in god, there is certainly a lot more to learn from the villagers from the No-door village of Shani Shingnapur.
Also Read: Jatinga Bird Suicide Mystery: Unsolving Bermuda Triangle Of Birds
The Legend Behind the Beliefs of People in No-Door Village.
Around 350 years ago, something really mysterious and amazing happened in the no-door village of Shani Shingnapur in India. This village witnessed heavy rainfall which eventually flooded the entire village. But when the flow receded, something incredibly unique was discovered by the villagers.
The villagers found a big black stone slab, almost 1.5 meters long on the banks of the Panasnala River that flows near the village. Little did they know that this stone was going to change the faith of the entire village.
When the villagers touched the stone out of curiosity, something unbelievable happened – blood started oozing out of it! This must have been really scary for the villagers, and they hurried back to their homes.
On that very night, the head of the village had a dream. In this dream, Lord Shani, who is a powerful god in Hindu religion, appeared from that same black stone. Lord Shani told the village head that he would stay in that black stone as if it were his own statue. He had a special request – he asked that no one should ever build a shelter or a house around this stone. Why? Because he wanted to use his divine powers to protect the village without anything getting in his way.
So, as a result, the village head followed Lord Shani’s orders. They built a temple around that black stone, but they left it without any doors or shelter. They believed that Lord Shani would watch over their village and keep them safe.
Also Read: Bullet Baba Temple: Story Of Rajasthan’s Mysterious Bike Temple
The Local Beliefs of Village Without Doors, Maharashtra
In the no-door village of Shani Shingnapur, a remarkable tradition has been upheld for generations, and it all revolves around their deep faith in Lord Shani. When the villagers installed the idol of Lord Shani in the temple, they removed the doors from their houses as a sign of utmost respect. This unique practice continues to this day, passed down through generations.
The villagers have an unshakable belief in Lord Shani’s protective powers. They share stories of what happened to those who showed disrespect or tried to defy this tradition. For instance, some individuals who attempted theft or harm faced the wrath of Lord Shani. They experienced unfortunate consequences such as losing their eyesight or being involved in car accidents.
As a result of this strong belief and the fear of Lord Shani’s retribution, the people of Shani Shingnapur continue to build houses without doors or leave their homes open when they go out of town. They have complete trust that Lord Shani will safeguard their properties and loved ones.
The villagers of the no-door village firmly believe that anyone attempting wrongdoing will face punishment from Lord Shani, which is called “Sade Sati” (means 7.5 years in Marathi). This punishment means that your period of bad luck will last for 7.5 years, a duration that holds special significance in the astrological beliefs surrounding Lord Shani.
So, in Shani Shingnapur, the absence of doors is not just a unique tradition; it’s a testament to the unwavering faith of the community in the protective powers of Lord Shani. They continue to live by these beliefs, and their no-door village of Shani Shingnapur remains a place where faith and tradition coexist in a truly remarkable way.
And that’s how the unique tradition of having no doors in the village of Shani Shingnapur started. The villagers have strong faith in Lord Shani and believe that he is always there to protect them. It’s a truly fascinating story of how belief and tradition can shape a whole village’s way of life.
Also Read: 3 Balinese Ghost Stories – Unfolding The Spooky Side Of Bali Culture
No-Door Village Of Shani Shingnapur in Recent Years
In recent years, the No-Door Village of Shani Shingnapur has witnessed some interesting developments that reflect the delicate balance between tradition and modernity. One notable occurrence was the opening of a unique UCB bank branch in 2011. To respect the village’s tradition of having no doors, the bank installed a glass door with remote locking technology. This innovative approach allowed for both protection and reverence for the age-old practice.
In September 2015, a significant step was taken with the establishment of the village’s first police station, which also adhered to the no-door policy. Remarkably, despite this open-door approach to law enforcement, there have been no reported complaints filed regarding theft or security breaches within the village.
Some locals attribute this to the protective gaze of Lord Shani, while critics argue that the low crime rate might be more related to the village’s remote location than any miraculous powers.
Interestingly, there have been claims of theft and robbery incidents reported by tourists in recent years. However, villagers strongly dismiss these allegations, asserting that such occurrences happened outside the village premises. Some even suggest that the police station may discourage the filing of theft complaints to maintain the village’s pristine image.
As the no-door village struggles with the need to adapt to the changing world, there have been instances of houses incorporating doors into their construction. However, it’s crucial to note that these doors lack locks. Instead, a simple screw is used to keep them closed, primarily to prevent stray animals like cats and dogs from entering. The absence of locks preserves the village’s unique architectural tradition while addressing practical concerns.
Amid these evolving dynamics, there are differing opinions. Some believe that these changes are part of an effort to attract tourists and boost tourism, while others see them as necessary adaptations to contemporary living. Shani Shingnapur – the village without doors, Maharashtra continues to be a place of mystery and spirituality, where tradition and modernity coexist in a delicate embrace.
How To Reach No-Door Village Of Shani Shingnapur?
Reaching Shani Shingnapur is quite easy! You can choose from multiple transportation options:
By Airways (Airport): The nearest airport to Shani Shingnapur is Aurangabad Airport (IXU), which is about 80 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the village. The journey is approximately 2-3 hours.
By Roadways (Bus/Car): If you prefer a road trip, you can drive to Shani Shingnapur or take a bus. It’s well-connected by road to major cities like Pune and Aurangabad. State transport buses and private vehicles are available options.
By Railways (Train): The closest railway station to Shani Shingnapur is the Shirdi Railway Station (SNSI), located around 65 kilometers away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the village. The journey takes about 1-2 hours.
