Shree Sidh Shakti Peeth Shanidham Shani Dham Temple

Overview

Shani Dham temple is a popular shrine situated on the Chhatarpur Road, near Asola. The temple lies at a distance of 6kms from the Chhatarpur Temple and 9Kms from Mehrauli. The famous Qutub Minar is located about16 kms from this temple. The idol of Shani Bhagvan in this temple stands unique since it is sculpted out of natural rock. The idol of the deity looks radiant and is considered the tallest statue of Shani Bhagvan in the world. The statue was installed in the temple on 31 May 2003, by Anant Shree Vibhushit Jagat Guru Shankracharya Swami Madhavasharam Ji Maharaj. The temple and statue of Lord Shani stands unique and attracts thousands of devotees from all over the world.

Shree Shani Dham Peethadeshwar, Sant Shiromani Shani Charanuragi 'Datti' Madan Maharaj Rajasthani ji enchanted One Hundred Crores and Thirty Two Lakh Shani Mantras on this sacred grove before installing (pradishta) the idol. The temple is thus considered sacred and is said to resolve problems caused by the adversity of Shani. Devotees worship Shani Bhagvan by offering oil for abhisheka (Telabhishek).

About The Temple

The holy temple of Shani Dham is divided into two parts - the eastern and the western. The temple consists of idols of various other Hindu gods and goddesses other than the idol of Shani Bhagvan. Devotees strongly believe that worshipping these deities along with Lord Shani brings about good luck and prosperity in their lives. The temple premise also comprises of a big library and research centre within it.

The tall, eight metalled idol of Shani Bhagvan is erected on top of the eastern wing of the temple. This Idol attracts the visitors from all over the world. The main door to the eastern wing of the temple falls on the western side leaving the visitor awe struck with the ‘Vastu’ of this temple. One gets the glorious glimpse of the huge shimmering idol of Lord Shani and the Shani rock on entering through the main door. Statues of Shani Bhagvan are erected on the north and south, where Shani Maharaj ji is seen going around his several rides. Devotees are left speechless looking at this architectural marvel. On the left and the right sides of Shani Shila (Rock) are the statues of Bhairav Dev. Devotees believe that their past sins get nullified on visiting this holy shrine.

A huge hall has been built on the eastern side of ‘Shani Shila’, which consists of twelve idols symbolizing the Jyotirlings. The huge eight metalled statue of Lord Shani stands on top of this hall. The worship of the Shani Shila and the divine statue of Lord Shani are believed to fulfill the prayers of the devotees. On the eastern side of this hall are few rooms consisting of rare astrological books and materials used for Shani poojas. Shani Dham also publishes various books and magazines on astrology which is kept on sale. The reception, enquiry office, the publication department is situated near the main entrance of the shrine.

The western part of the ‘Shani Dham’ temple comprises of few huge statues of Shani Bhagwan who is seen riding the buffalo and vulture. The ritual of ‘Telabhishek’ is performed on these statues on all Saturday, Monday and Tuesday.

On the right of these two Shani Statues, the idol of Lord Hanuman ji is installed facing the direction South. On the left side of this idol, is the oblation pool. The idols of Navagrahas are installed in the southern side of this pool. Exactly Opposite to this place is an arrangement for devotees to take the holy bath. The devotees are said to pray the Shani Bhagwan here, by wearing a wet red cloth and performing the Telabhisheka. On every Tuesday, Lord Hanuman ji and Maa Jagdamba are also worshipped along with Shani Maharaj ji.

The sactum of Jagdamba Maa is located near this place. This consists of a huge ‘Shiv Lingam’ and the oblation pool. On its west side is another big hall having the idol of Ardhanarishwarar (A form of Lord Shiva representing half of Shiva and Shakthi).

At Shani Dham, each devotee gets to worship Lord Shani directly. There is no priest or Pandits between the deity and the worshipper. The devotee performs the circumambulation (Pradharshini) around the idol himself. Worshippers including both men and women, perform their own poojas to the idol of Shani Bhagwan.

Poojas and Rituals

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 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.

Festivals

The festivals of Navratri and Deepawali are the most important festivals celebrated in this temple.

Significance

Thousands of devotees throng the temple to get rid of various adversities faced by them due to the malefic Shani as per their birth horoscope.

Accessibility

Airport

The Indira Gandhi International Airport at Delhi is the nearest which is around 16.6km from Shanidham mandir.

Railways

The city of Delhi has a well connected metro rail service. The closest metro stations located near the temple are the Chattarpur station and Qutub metro station.

Road

Several State run buses and cabs operate in the city providing efficient road transport in the State.

Temple Address

Shree Sidh Shakti Peeth Shanidham / Shani Dham Temple,
Shree Shani Tirth Kshetra,
329, Asola, Fatehpur Beri,
Mehrauli, New Delhi,
Delhi – 110074.