| |
|
|
|
| India Tours & Packages |
|
Group Tours |
|
India Travel Guide |
|
Women Travelers |
|
|
|
|
|
| Know India |
:: |
Destination |
:: |
Hotels |
:: |
Tour Packages |
:: |
Discover India |
|
|
|
|
| » Home » Temples In India » Shanichara Temple |
|
|
|
|
Shanichara Temple |
|
|
|
|
Shanichara Temple
Distance : 18km from Gwalior
The Hindus hold Shani (Saturn), in great awe and respect. In fact, Saturn is the only deity whose benign glance is believed to bestow prosperity, while a fierce look can cause unparalleled misfortune on the object of its attention. Small wonder then, that devotees flock to appease him every Saturday.
The Shanichara Temple made of stone at Aeti is rather special, though it doesn't appear so from the outside. It houses the original black idol of Shani brought from Lanka (presently Sri Lanka). Legend has it that Shanideva was held prisoner by the demon-king Ravana (king of Lanka), in the Hindu epic Ramayana. The dusty village of Aeti came into being only after the temple was established. Earlier it was just a barren hilltop dotted with a few trees.
A Grand Prayer Organised On Every Saturday
A grand puja (prayer) is held here every Amavasya Shanivar (moonless Saturday night), which has devotees thronging to the temple in droves. Special narrow gauge trains operate from Gwalior, Agra, Jaipur, Baroda and some other cities to bring devotees to the temple.
The Statue of Hanuman
Just outside this stone temple is a statue of the monkey-god Hanuman. It depicts Hanuman with a dagger tied to his waist stepping on another monkey. A very curious practice is observed here: worshippers leave behind their shirts and shoes or have their hair cut in the belief that any curse that might have been cast on them will disappear along with their locks.
Facilities
Transport
The Shanichara Temple is about 18 kilometres from Gwalior en route to Padhavali, Bateshwar and Mitaoli.
Bus services are rare - make enquiries at the Gwalior bus station. Hiring a cab is a better idea.
Roads are moderately good up to a point, after which it is just a dry, rough track to the temple.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| Beaches | Monuments | Festivals | Wildlife | Adventure | Pilgrimage | Healing | Forts | Culture |
| Copyright © 2010 discoverindiaguide.com. All rights reserved. discoverindiaguide.com |
