Shani Dham Temple

The temple is situated on Chhatarpur Road, near Asola, and is 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from the Chhatarpur Temple, about 8–9 kilometres (5.0–5.6 mi) away from Mehrauli, and 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) from Qutub Minar.[1] It is equipped with the natural rock Idol of Lord Shani, as a chief deity. Apart from this, the other fabricated idols are also established since long.

These Idols were being worshipped long- long times but on 31 May 2003 when the largest Radiant Shani Idol was unveiled by ‘Anant Shree Vibhushit Jagat Guru Shankracharya Swami Madhavasharam Ji Maharaj', it has become the center of attraction for the devotees of Lord Shani. Before this unveiling of the radiant Idol of Shani Nijswaroopanand ji Maharaj had performed enchanting of Shani Mantras for one hundred Crores and thirty two lakhs (in numbers) on this grove. It is believed that the whole environment of the Shanidham Premises has become so alive that most of the problems of the devotees of Lord Shani are automatically solved, when they happen to reach this temple.

The site of शनि शत्रु नहीं मित्र हैं (Shree Shanidham), Asola, Fatehpur Beri is divided into two parts the eastern and the western. Herein, apart from the highest of Shani Idol, the statues of other gods and goddesses are also erected. It is said that worshipping through these statues, the devotees get their desires fulfilled. Apart from this, there is a library and a research center, in the Ashram Premises itself wherein many a learned men keep on making research over Lord Shani as well as over other religious view points. Here, all sort of questions related to astrology, Ayurved, Yoga and the Tantra are suppose be answered. Rather Sage Rajasthani ji himself remains available all the times in order to answer such questions to the curious devotees. He also suggests remedial measures thereof.

In the eastern part of Shanidhamt, the eight metallic largest radiant Shani idol has been erected. This Idol attracts the visitors from far away. The main door of this eastern part falls in the west side. The ‘Vastu’ of this part makes a visitor wonder struck for few moments. As soon as one enters into the main door, he prospects the huge idol of Lord Shani and the Shani rock. On North and south, both sides there are Shani statues erected, wherein Shani Maharaj ji is riding over his various rides. On the left and the right sides of Shani Shila (Rock) the Statues of Bhairav Dev are established.

Those who visit the temple for the worship of Lord Shani, they were supposed to be enchanting the Mantra ‘Om Sham Shanishcharaya Nameh’, ‘Om Pram Preem Prom Se Shanishcharaya Nameh’, ‘Om Sham Shanishcharaya Nameh’ or the plasm (Strotra) by King Dashratha, while circumambulating the ‘Shila Murty’. Thereafter they should offer Poojan Samagri (Pooja Material) at the Statue of Lord Shani. Keeping in view to the convenience of the devotees visiting Shree Shani Dham and maintaining the purity and cleanliness. The security norms, under the present changing circumstances Pujan Samagri for Worshipping Lord Shani is made available in the premises of Ashram itself. Any stuff brought from outside the temple premises should not be taken inside.

In the east side of ‘Shani Shila’, is a big hall, wherein symbolic idols of the twelve 'Jyotirlings' are established. On the top of this hall, the huge eight metals statue of Lord Shani is posted. On the eastern side of this hall, arrangements are made to provide “Pujan Samagri”. For security reasons as also to facilitate the devotees such an arrangements have been made. In another room, rare astrological books and material for Shani poojan is made available. Books and magazines published by Shani Dham on various pseudo sciences are also made available for sale. Near the main gate, there is an inquiry office, reception office and the publication department.

In the western part of the ‘शनि शत्रु नहीं मित्र हैं (Shree Shanidham)’ wherein western faced huge Shani statues are erected over the buffalo and the vulture. These statues are worshipped and ‘Telabhishek’ is made over here on every Saturday, Monday and Tuesday. Here, embracing and kissing the idol is a traditional ceremony. Offering our footwear’s as shedding off the poverty is another remedial measure. On every Saturday and on Shani Amavasya religious performances to pacify Lord Shani are made in this temple.

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. Exactly Opposite to this, there is an arrangement for the devotees to take a bath. Here the devotees perform worship and Telabhishek (wearing red ‘Lungi’), after bathing and remaining in wet cloths. On every Tuesday, Lord Hanuman ji and Maa Jagdamba are also worshipped besides worshipping Lord Shani.

Wikivoyage has a listing for Shani Dham Temple.

• शनि शत्रु नहीं मित्र हैं (Shree Shanidham) Trust
• (in Hindi) Shree Shree 1008 Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Daati Maharaji blog
• Gurukul Ashwasan Baal Gram school for orphans run by Shree Shanidham Trust
• thedivineindia.com
• [http://www.shanidham.org