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As someone who loves visiting temples and spiritual places in India, I recently made a trip from the holy town of Shirdi to the famous Shani Shingnapur temple. Having made the journey myself using public transport, I wanted to share my experiences to help guide others.
Why I Chose to Visit Shani Shingnapur
I was already spending a few days in Shirdi to visit the awe-inspiring Sai Baba Temple like lakhs of devotees do each year. I had heard a lot about Shani Shingnapur, which is home to a renowned temple dedicated to Lord Shani. Known for the miraculous belief that no house in the village has doors and no locks exist anywhere, I was intrigued.
The 100 km distance also made it an ideal next destination for a day trip. With no elaborate planning needed and a simple journey, I decided it would be the perfect addition after experiencing the divine vibrations in Shirdi.
Choosing Public Transport to Get There
Upon researching, I found a few options to cover the distance - renting a private car, going by state transport buses, or taking a shared private taxi.
With my budget constraints, a private vehicle rental was out of the question. State buses would be cheaper but their limited frequency and journey length of 3-4 hours each way did not appeal to my plans for a day trip.
I settled on hiring a shared taxi which seemed reasonable, faster, and more flexible. The journey would be around 2 hours with some great views and company along the way.
My Experience with the Shared Taxi
On the day of travel, I walked from my Shirdi lodge to the shared taxi stand located just 1 km away near Dwarkamai temple. I reached early at 6:30 am to get a good seat and found a vehicle leaving for Shingnapur shortly.
The 14-seater tempo traveler cost me ₹300 one-way and soon filled up with cooperative passengers. Leaving at 7 am sharp, we drove through interior villages and farms. Everyone shared regional snacks and we had intriguing conversations about Marathi culture, food, and even cricket.
Beyond the worst stretch of road roughness and nausea-inducing curves, it was a revelation to watch rural life go by. The rich landscapes and vibrant greens soothed my soul. By 9:30 am, we had reached the holy village welcomed by lush surroundings.
Exploring Shani Shingnapur Temple
After farewells to my travel companions, I took an auto ride to the main temple area just 2 km away costing ₹50. But the allure of the charming village had me stop frequently to gaze at the antiquated rustic houses and relics of a bygone era.
At the glorious black stone temple, thousands of devotees stood in queues waiting for a glimpse of the revered Shani idol. The divine reverberations and chants for Lord Shani's blessings sent peaceful vibes.
I even witnessed priests performing rituals, though women devotees are not allowed to pour oil. After paying respects, I wandered the quaint lanes experiencing the unique doorless local households. Their unhindered faith in god and community touched me deeply.
I saw the famous swayambhu padukas - self-manifested footprints of Shani and other deities - ensconced in temples around the area. By early afternoon, after having a simple meal at a charity dhaba, I was ready to return with enriched spiritual fulfillment.
Returning by Shared Taxi Again
I took an auto ride back to the shared taxi stand and got a vehicle departing at 2 pm after a quick meal. I luckily got the prized front seat beside the driver for better views this time.
The shared cab again had cordial co-passengers who were also returning from Shingnapur darshan. We bonded over-enthusiasm for devotional places in Maharashtra. I reached Shirdi at the expected hour of 4 pm - just in time for the evening aarti at Dwarkamai.
Key Recommendations for Travelers
Based on my rewarding tryst, here are some key suggestions for fellow devotees planning this trip:
Hire a shared taxi over a state transport bus for a faster, reasonable, and more flexible journey
Start early for a full-day trip with ample time at Shingnapur before returning
Carry some snacks and motion sickness medicine if need be
Respect customs - follow dress codes, photography restrictions, and rituals etiquette
Travel light with just essentials so you can walk and explore better
Prefer Omni auto over private auto to save costs getting around
Relish the village vibes, gorge on satvik bhojan, and immerse in the divine energy
An Unforgettable Spiritual Sojourn
The entire journey and experiences gave me priceless memories and profound realizations for my spiritual journey. Beyond the destination, I enjoyed the paths leading there with faith and community.
I hope my personal account and tips help you plan your own travels better to these holy places! Let me know if you have any other questions - whether about transport, budget, lodging, or anything else - to make your pilgrimage smooth.
FAQs
What is the distance between Shani Shingnapur and Shirdi?
Shani Shingnapur to Shirdi distance is approximately 72 kilometers. Travelers can reach Shirdi from Shani Shingnapur by road in about 2 hours, making it a convenient journey for those visiting the famous Sai Baba temple.
What is the distance between Shani Shingnapur and Aurangabad?
Shani Shingnapur to Aurangabad distance is around 75 kilometers. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to travel by road from Shani Shingnapur to Aurangabad, providing easy access to the historical and cultural attractions of the city, including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
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