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. |
