Shani Dham Temple In Delhi

                                                                 Shani Dham Temple

The Shani Dham Temple is a holy temple located in Delhi. The temple is said to house the tallest statue of Lord Shani in the world. It temple is situated on Chhatarpur Road near Asola. It is at a distance of 6 kilometres from the Chhatarpur Temple and approximately 8 to 9 kilometres away from Mehrauli. It is 16 kilometres from the famous Qutub Minar. The idol of Lord Shani is made of natural Rock and is the chief deity of the temple. Apart from this there are many other idols that have been installed in the temple long ago. Since long these idols have been revered and worship with devotion in the temple. In the recent past i.e. on May 31, 2003 the largest glowing idol of Lord Shani was uncovered by Anant Shree Vibhushit Jagat Guru Shankracharya Swami Madhavasharam Ji Maharaj. From that time the largest idol of the world has drawn several devotees from far off places. The day of unveiling the idol of Lord Shani was celebrated in a grand way. It is said that Shree Shani Dham Peethadeshwar Sant Shiromani Shani Charanuragi 'Datti' Madan Maharaj Rajasthani Ji had performed enchanting of One Hundred Crores and Thirty Two Lakhs (in numbers) Shani Mantras on this sacred grove. Temple It is believed that with the holy chanting of the names of the Lord the temple as well as the surrounding places has become sacred. Hence by visiting the temple and by offering prayers at the feet of the Lord devotees get rid of the problems. Devotees offer oil (Telabhishek) to Lord Shani. The Lord here has been lovingly named as 'Datti.'

 The temple is famous for having the talleststatue of Lord Shani existing anywhere in the world.
The temple is usually rather quiet on weekdays but comes to life every Saturday – Saturday being the day of lord shani – with people thronging the temple performing aartis and offering prayers all through the day to please the lord. The temple is also very popular on the religious tourism sector with devotees from out-of-town making it a point to visit the temple whenever they are in Delhi. One of the main attractions, of course, remains the massive statue of Lord Shani.Shani is one of the nine Navagraha or primary celestial beings in Hindu astrology, embodied in the planet Saturn. Shani is the Lord of Saturday; the word Shani also denotes the seventh day or Saturday .
In the last few years i.e. on May 31, 2003 the largest Shani Idol was unveiled by Anant Shree Vibhushit Jagat Guru Shankracharya Swami Madhavasharam Ji Maharaj. Since then, it has become an attraction for the devotees of Lord Shani. Before unveiling the idol of Shani, Shree Shani Dham Peethadeshwar Sant Shiromani Shani Charanuragi 'Datti' Madan Maharaj Rajasthani ji performed the enchanting of One Hundred Crores, and Thirty Two Lakhs Shani Mantras on the sacred grove.
Although there are many other man-made idols established since long yet it has become the center of attraction for the devotees of Lord Shani from all over the world.
Shani Mantras on this sacred grove before unveiling the statue. As a result, the premises of Shani Dham Temple became very alive and all the hardest of troubles and problems caused due to the adversity of Shani are extinguished within no time by worshiping here and by offering oil (Telabhishek) to Lord Shani.

 The whole atmosphere and the environment of the temple is getting purified through the vibration of recitation of mantras, through the rays of spiritual accomplishments and through the victorious sounds created by the overjoyed hearts of the devotees, who are blessed by Lord Shani. Under the auspicious atmosphere of the temple, the devotees get cooled down. By the grace of Lord Shani they get inspired and encouraged. Thus, they get totally freshed and energised and get ready to perform their worldly duties. At Shani Dham, each devotee worships Lord Shani directly. He performs circumambulation around his idol himself. There is no Priest, Pandit or a middle-man, between the devotee and Lord Shani. Each devotee is his own priest and the true feelings of him are the true mantras and their results are visible very shortly. The doors of Shani Dham are open to everybody. Each and every devotee of Lord Shani is welcomed here without any favouritism.
 Through the devotion and worship performed in this temple, all the troubles and problems caused due to the hardship of Shani will be removed from your life within no time.
 It is near Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road, Main Chhattarpur Road and nearest Metro Station is Chhattarpur.

Open – All Days
Timings – 6.00 am to 10.00 pm (best to visit during the morning and evening aarti)
Entry Fee – Free.

Dieties:-

 On the right side of the two Shani Statues, the idol of Lord Hanuman ji is posted there. It is faced towards South. On the left side of this idol, is the oblation pool. Again on the South side of this pool the idols of the nine planets are posted.

Lord Hanuman ji and Maa Jagdamba are also worshipped besides worshipping Lord Shani. A person ambitious to join this special Pooja on Tuesday .
 In another cell, on the south side of the hall Jagdamba Maa, the huge ‘Shiv Lingam’ and the oblation pool is posted. On the west side of this hall is again another big hall. In this hall some special religious performances, my own satsang and speeches and the mediation meetings are held. Adjacent to this hall, is my own big hall for my special contemplation. In this big hall facing towards East, is an idol of Ardhanareshwar. I perform Sadhna in this hall. Generally, I meet people in the Ashram premises. Under special circumstances, I meet them in 'Sadguru Cell (Sadguru Prakostha)', at the north side of this hall.

Shree Sidh Shakti Peeth Shanidham:-

Birth place of ‘Pithadhishwar’: The soil of Alawas in Sojat, District Pali of Rajasthan became blessed and obliged at the birth of Pithadhishwar Shree Shree 1008 Mahamadaleshwer Paramhans Daati Ji Maharaj (Nijswaroopanand ji Maharaj) Datti Shree who is the Pithadhishwar of this temple.
◾His journey to God via celibacy: The inspirational soul in human-incarnation ‘Pithadhishwar Shree Shree 1008 Mahamadaleshwer Paramhans Daati Ji Maharaj (Nijswaroopanand ji Maharaj) Datti Shree’ began to wander like a nomad in search of the God at the age of just seven. He roamed around northern and eastern India in the midst of that devotional journey, several seers and saints showed him the path of devotion with true reverence for winning the pious deity.
◾Shree Shanidham Trust: Another exquisite feature of his adorable personality is added when he guided to establish ‘Shree Shanidham Trust’ which has glorified his name by adding one more feather to his wings.  His welfare unit and its crew come into action at draught hit area, especially in Rajasthan.

Special Code of Conduct at Shree Shanidam Temple:-

Whatever ‘Poojan samagari’ (the offerings) are submitted for the sake of pacifying Lord Shani, chief of the Lords, it is not being misused. The Oil and the other materials offered as donation over the idol of Lord Shani is sold out and the money so obtained is spent specially for the management and the operation of ‘Cowpens’ and their fodder.
You have arrived in the temple of Lord Shani, the chief of the Lords; so, keep on enchanting “Om Sham Shanishcharaya Nameh” all the times. Besides this, do not make any sort of discussion.
The temple consists of no priest or a great sage. No one well-versed in Tantra science does reside over here. All of them are the devotees of Lord Shani. So, don’t offer money or any thing else over the idols, nor do you pay money to anyone. If you want to donate in the name of Shani, put your offerings in ‘Shani Dan Patra’ in cash only. This amount is used for the education and for the welfare of the poor & the helpless as well as for the sake of ‘cowpen’.
Since no priest, great sage or any man well-versed in tantra science is residing over here, all of them are the devotees of Lord Shani. You are requested that it’s not a proper place for any type of witchcraft or black art or some way removing of evil spirits. It is a holy place for performing religious activities for the sake of getting rid of the troubles that people face because of the adverse circumstances during begetting the results of their own Karmas. Here, you can only perform repentive measures for doing your evil deeds gets undone, in order to please Lord Shani.
At this holy place, you cannot enter into the temple with any of the leather goods like belt, bag or any intoxicating material, like liquor, bidi, cigarette, gutka, tobacoo etc.
Wearing red lungi (after having taken a bath) and remaining wet, bathe the shani idol with oil. Doing so go on enchanting Shani mantra “Om Sham Shanishcharaya Nameh”!
First of all, go to the ‘Shikhar Pratima’ for worship. Thereafter circumambulate around the natural shila form of Lord Shani, offering dhoop and Deepak there. Now, go to the other temple on the opposite side and perform ‘Telabhishek’ at Lord Shani’s idol.
For the sake of the convenience of the devotees, all material relating to pooja (Poojan samagri) has been made available within the premises of ‘Shani Dham’. Please, the holy pooja thali be obtained from the Ashram premises itself, because all arrangements for Pooja samagri are made for devotees. All precautions and care has been taken for the purity and the genuineness of the material i.e. “Poojan samagari”, that is suitable and appropriate for the worship of Lord Shani. It is just to facilitate the devotees of Lord Shani and not for the sake of profit making.
All the devotees, visiting Shani Dham are requested to take care of their valuable goods. Vehicles may be locked and parked properly, at the parking place. With God's grace and great blessing of my deity Lord Shani, we have been able to arrange for a parking place, adjacent to Shani Dham so vehicles may be parked properly at the destined place only.


Poojas and Rituals at Shanidham Temple:-

Shanidham Temple is mainly dedicated to the worship of God Shani. Though various festivals are celebrated, theregular poojas and rituals are mainly offered to the main deity, God Shani.
•Offering oil (Telabhishek) to God Shani while chanting the mantras ‘Om Sham Shanishcharaya Nameh’, ‘Om Pram Preem Prom Se Shanishcharaya Nameh’, ‘Om Sham Shanishcharaya Nameh’ while circumambulating the ‘Shila Murty’ (idol) is the basic ritual at the temple.
•Offering one’s footwear, embracing and kissing the idol is a traditional ritual.
•On every Saturday and on Shani Amavasya religious poojas related to the deity are performed in the temple.

Festivals Celebrated at Shanidham Temple:-

Navratri Pooja :-

Navratri, also known as Durga Pooja, is a festival celebrated in the honor of nine different forms of the Goddess Durga, for nine consecutive days. The Goddess of Power is worshipped during these days in order to seek her blessings and protection.
Deepawali Pooja :-

 Deepawali, the festival of lights, is the festival of Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of prosperity and wealth. It is believed that when Goddess Laxmi is offered pooja and worship on the eve of Deepawali, she blesses her devotees with peace and prosperity. On the eve of Deepawali, a traditional ‘Lakshmi Pooja’ is performed after sunset.

Special Pooja on Shani Amawasya :-

 On each ‘Shani Amavasya’, rituals such as ‘Pitra Dosh’ & ‘Kaal Sarpa Dosh’ are performed at Shani Dham to the God. On such occasions, special worship and ‘Telabhishek’ (bathing the idol of God Shani with mustard oil) are performed.

Activities at Shanidham Temple:-

The Shree Shanidham Trust is a non-profit, non-governmental social welfare organization. The Trust is engaged in social welfare activities in different parts of India but is primarily focused in Rajasthan. Some of the activities conducted and organized by the trust are:
•Helping people affected by drought.
•Providing free fodderfor cattle.
•Arranging food, clothes, and blankets to the needy.
•Organizing free medical camps in remote parts of Rajasthan.
•Pensions for the elderly and needy.
•Scholarships for meritorious students.
•Providing tricyclesto the disabled.
•Arranging potable waterin the interior rural areas of Rajasthan.

How to Reach:-

By Air:-

Delhi is well connected with domestic and international flights, to all the major cities within and outside India. Almost all the major airlines have their flights operating from Indira Gandhi International Airport at New Delhi. Domestic Airport connects Delhi to the major cities in India.

By Train:-

 The railway network connects Delhi to the all major and, nearly, all the minor destinations in India. The three important railway stations of Delhi are New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station and Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station.

By Road:-

 Delhi is well connected, by a network of roads and national highways, with all the major cities in India. The three major bus stands in Delhi are Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) at Kashmiri Gate, Sarai Kale-Khan Bus Terminus and Anand Vihar Bus Terminus. Both the government and private transport providers provide frequent bus services. One can also get government as well as private taxis here.

Shri Mahamaya Devi Mandir, Raipur

                                                Shri Mahamaya Devi Mandir


It is located in Raipur's old fort area on the banks of the river Khaaroon, near Maharajbandh temple. The presiding deity is known as Mahamaya - a goddess with all the good qualities, supposed to be a combination of the powers of Vishnu and Shiva. She is also known as Durga and Mahishasura Mardini or Jagdambe. This temple originally belonging to the Kalchuri era has been renovated later. Nearby is the Samleswari temple dedicated to Goddess Samlai.

This temple originally belonging to the Kalchuri era has been renovated later.The king had discussed with the priests. Every told that the status should be established by this raja moradhwaj. Established temple of mateshwari mahamaya devi with all tantarik and vedic condition over here.
The commanding deity is known as Mahamaya, a goddess possessed with all good qualities, supposed to be the blend of the powers of Lords Vishnu and Shiva. She is also known as Durga and Mahishasura Mardini or Jagadambe. The original temple constructed in the Kalchuri era has been refurbished many a times later. Nearby is the Samleswari temple dedicated to Goddess Samlai.

Significance:-

Welcome to one of the most religiously-celebrated, architecturally superb and culturally rich temple of south-east India: Shri Mahamaya Devi Mandir, Ratanpur. From many decades since, the temple and the town of Ratanpur have attracted the attention of scores of historians and archeologists.dome Surrounded by lush green hills and housing more than 150 ponds, the town is flocked – twice a year – by hundreds of thousands of devotees every year, who visit here in Navrataras to get darshan of the awe-inspiring dual-statue of their beloved goddess: Mahamaya Devi. Situated at 25 km away from the city of Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh) on the Bilaspur-Ambikapur state highway, the Mandir and the relics of scores of ancilliary temples, domes, palaces and forts – now rundown by the time and natural forces – seem to tell a story. Once the capital of the Kalchuri kings, Ratanpur – then, Ratnapur – has almost a millenium of history.
Built on the Nagar school of architecture, the temple is surrounded by a 18 inch thick boundary wall. Supported by sixteen stone columns, the temple is believed to be built around 12th century AD. Many of the statues and motifs used in the temple have been taken from rundown or broken temples of earlier centuries, some of them were Jain temples. The main campus of temple has the smaller statues of Mahakali, Bhadrakali, Surya Dev, Lord Vishnu, Lord Hanuman, Bhairav and Lord Shiva. It is believed that the first puja and abhihek of Devi was performed at matathis place by Kalinga king Ratna Dev in 1050 AD, when he shifted his capital from tuman to Ratnapur. Because of its strategic geographical status, King Ratna Dev and his heirs made Ratnapur their capital and built up palaces, fort and temples, the remnants of which can be seen still today.

Dual statue of Maa Mahamaya:-

 Inside the main temple campus, facing the famous Kanthi Dewal temple and the Temple main pond is the splendid dual statues of Mahamaya: the front one is called the Mahishasur Mardini and the hind statue is believed to be that of Goddess Saraswati. However, by a casual viewer the rear statue can often be overlooked. In the Navratras, devotees come from all corners of the country and the world to get a glimpse of the celebrated Devi and pay their rituals. Surrounding the main temple are many big halls where Jyoti Kalashas are lit by the Trust on behalf of the devotees. The Kalashas are kept “alive” for the whole nine days of Navratras. This is why they are also called Akhand Manookaamna Navratra Jyoti Kalashas. It is believed that Devi fulfills all your wishes if you follow proper fasting, puja and archana of Devi and also contribute to the Akhand Jyoti Kalashas.

 Shri Mahamaya Devi Mandir Temple:-

Around the main temple, there are many other temples – of equally rich historical and archeological value. The most important of these are Mahamrityunjaya Panchmukhee Shiv Mandir and Kanthi Dewal. Panchmukhee Shiv Mandir is a magnificient architecture made of red stone and is believed to be the origin of the Mahamaya statue.kanti It is also believed that if you make a wish before it, after performing proper puja and hang a shriphal (coconut) wrapped in red cloth on the tree before it, your wish is granted by Him.
The Kanthi Dewal temple is octagonal in shape and believed to be of Hindu and Moghul school of architecture. Made of red stone, all its walls are decorated by sculptures of 9th to 12th century. The important sculptures are : Shaal Bhanjika, a Lady feeding a child, Lingodhbhava Shiva and a Kalchuri king. Inside the Kanthi Dewal temple is a Shiv Lingam, the phallus, which, in Hindu dharma, is believed to be the source of Divine Energy. It is believed that if Lingam is poured with milk and water after proper puja-archana, it is sure to give the devotee the mental and physical strength and energy. A little known fact about this temple is that it was reconstituted recently by the Department of Archeological Survey of India. The reconstitution spanned five years, but the actual shape of the temple was kept intact.


Mahamaya Temple History:-

•Mahamaya Temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahamaya which has a dual statue of Goddess Lakshmi and Saraswati.
•This temple was built in 12th-13th century under the reign of Kalchuri King Ratandev I. Apart being the king, Kalchuri King Ratnadev I was also the founder of Haihaiyavansi kingdom.
•Legends say that the king built the temple at the spot where he had darshan of council of Goddess Kali. Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati and Maha Lakshmi were earlier worshipped here.
•Within the campus one can easily find Lord Shiva’s and Hanuman’s temple. Ratanpur state traditionally has Mahamaya as their Kuldevi. Recently architectural department renovated the temple.
•Vikram Samvat built this temple in 1552 and one can also find that this place is beautifully surrounded by many ponds which help in adding its beauty. This temple was beautifully built with red stones by Kalchuri King Ratandev who was the king at that time.

Mahamaya Temple Timings:-

•The Darshan in Mahamaya Temple starts from 6 am to 8:30 pm everyday. During normal days, it does not take more than half an hour in darshan but it takes more time during Navratra. This is because there are a large number of devotees during Navratri.
•Devotees do not need to pay any amount of money for darshan. This is free of cost. Bhoj is offered at 12 pm for half an hour. So during this time devotees, entry is strictly prohibited.
•If a person visits this temple, he/she needs to take ample time with them. Apart from darshan, one can also take part in special events which are conducted by the Trust. During Navratra, Darshan is opened till 12 am.
•After you buy puja samagri, go to the free shoe care. This is run by the Trust. Before going for darshan you should remove your shoe. The Trust will provide you a token for the set of shoes you gave. The caretaker will take care of your shoes till you come back from Darshan.
•There is water tap present in the campus which provides water to the devotees. The devotees need to clean their mouth, face, hand and feet before entering the Mahamaya Temple. Though this ritual is not cmpulsory, but devotees follow it for the sake of cleanliness of the temple campus.
•After this, you need to stand in the qeue for Darshan. It may take some time depending on the day you visited the temple. It takes a lot of time for darshan during Navratra. People from various parts of India come here on Navratra to see Jyotikalash being lit to please the Goddess Mahamaya.
•Temple Kalbhairava is considered to be the guardian temple. People believe that those who visit Mahamaya Temple should also visit Kalbhairava Temple to complete their pilgrimage.

Festivals celebrated in Mahamaya Temple:-

Chaitra Navratri:-

 According to the Hindu Calender, Chaitra Navratri is celebrated on the first day of the calender. This festival is celebrated from 1st to 9th day of Chaitra month Shukla Paksh. The 9th day is celebrated as Ram Navami which is Lord Ram’s birthday.

Vasanta Navratri:-

 This festival is celebrated in Autum this is why it is called Vasant Navratri. Vasant means Autum in Hindi. Vasant Navratri usually falls in the month of April but it may differ according to the Hindu Calender.

Maha Navratri:-

 This festival is very famous and this is why it is celebrated across India. Maha Navratri is celebrated equally important as other festivals in Chhattisgarh. There is a lot of crowd in temples on this festival. People come from various parts to offer prayer.

Visitor Information:-

•Footwear is not allowed inside the temple.
•Keep your mobile phones in silent when you are inside the temple.
•Do respect the sentiments of other people.
•Take a bath and wear clean clothes before going in the temple.
•Photography is allowed in the temple and the premises.
•Keep the temple premises clean and do not litter.
•Do not throw away the Prasad Samagri.
•The temple gets really crowded at the time of festivals so do make sure that you have planned your trip accordingly.
•Do not gossip, talk aloud, indulge in fun and frolic inside temple

How to Reach Raipur:-

By Air:-

Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, is the only place in the state that is linked by air to New Delhi, Mumbai and Bhubaneshwar by regular flights.

By Rail:-

Raipur is one of the two main junctions in the state that are on the routes of express and passenger trains that either directly or indirectly connect the state to other parts of India. The superfast Rajdhani Express connects Raipur to New Delhi, the Bilaspur-Nizamuddin Gondwana Express runs thrice a week and travels from New Delhi to Raipur via Bilaspur. Passenger and mail trains connect most big and small towns within the state to Raipur.

By Bus:-

Raipur has excellent connections to places in the neighbouring states of Andhra, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. Inter-state and national highways connect Raipur to Bhopal, Nagpur, Jhansi, Jabalpur and to cities further afield like Kolkata and Bhubhaneshwar. The important towns of the region, Bhilai (25 km), Durg (41 km), Jagadalpur (297 Km), Rajnandgaon(70 km) and Bilaspur (115 km) are connected with Raipur by road. Interstate State Roadways buses ply between the different cities while chartered bus operators run services on major routes Roadways buses are the lifelines of Chhattisgarh as they connect some of the more inaccessible places in the interiors to the capital, Raipur.