Another important Shrine for Lord Shani is in Maharashtra, India. Shingnapur is located half-way between Shirdi and Aurangabad. The deity here is “Swayambhu” that is self emerged from earth in form of Black but imposing stone. Though no one knows exact period, it is believed that Swayumbhu shaneeswara was found from time immemorial by shepherds of then local hamlet. It is believed be in existence at least since Kaliyugam.

The story of swayambhu (=Sanskrit self-evolved deity) handed down from generations through word of mouth, goes something like this : When the Shepherd touched stone with a pointed rod the stone began bleeding. The shepherds were astounded soon whole village hamlet gathered around to watch the miracle. On that night Lord Shaneeswara appeared in the dream of most devoted and pious of the shepherds.

He told the shepherd that he is “Shaneeswara”. He also told that the Unique looking Black Stone is His swayambhu form. The shepherd prayed and asked Lord whether he should construct a temple for him. To this, Lord Shani Mahatma said there is no need for a roof as the whole sky is his roof and he preferred to be under open sky. He asked the shephered to do daily pooja and ‘tailabhishekam’ every Saturday without fail. He also promised the whole hamlet will have no fear of dacoits or burglars or thieves.

So, Lord Shaneeswara can be seen even today, in the open yard without any roof above. To this day, there are no doors for any house, shop, temple. It is to be seen to believe that even post office has no door, not to speak of locks. Due to fear of Lord Shani, none of the structures, be it dwelling houses, huts, shops etc. situated within one kilometer radius of this Lord Shani temple, have neither doors and locks. No thievery or burglary ever occurred here in this hamlet called Shani Shingnapur. Some who have tried to steal have died vomiting blood within minutes of their act and before they could cross the boundary. Many others are said have received varied punishments such as long sickness, mental imbalance etc.

This Shani Shingnapur is visited daily by thousands of devotees praying for Lord Shaneswara’s favour. The place is busiest on Saturdays. Shani Trayodasi is considered to be a favorite day for the lord. Similarly Saturday falling on ‘Amavasya’(new moon day in Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam) is considered to be a favorites day for the Lord Shaneeswara. Thousands of devotees seeking his blessings throng this temple in thousands.

The Swaminarayan Temple, Rajkot is famous all over the world as the most notable holy place in Rajkot. The Swaminarayan Temple in Gujarat was set by the BAPS as the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha is known. BAPS is an organization which operates by the Swaminarayan faith. BAPS as an organization was established in the year 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj.

The Swaminarayan Temple, Rajkot operates in the same way as all other temples which belong to the same organization. The Swaminarayan Temple  in India are known world wide for their spiritual value as well as the social work and the humanitarian service that they offer to the world. As all other temples that operates under BAPS, Swaminarayan Temple in Rajkot is also known for the hand carved stone by which the temple is made of.

The central figure of The Swaminarayan Temple at Rajkot in Gujarat in India is the Lord Swaminarayan. The idol set in the temple is a white idol of Lord Swaminarayan, beautifully clad in gorgeous cloth. The Swaminarayan temple follows some philosophical guidelines as set by the BAPS. They try to understand the five basic eternal units which comprises of Jiva, Ishwar, Maya, Brahman and Parabrahman.

The Swaminarayan temple in Rajkot in Gujarat in India is a major Tourist Attraction in Rajkot. People who come on a tour to Rajkot must visit the Swaminarayan Temple in Rajkot in Gujarat in India. The temple is famous for its spirituality and the humanitarian deed that it offers to the people all over the world. The act of doing such a commendable social service gives it a higher recognition than just a temple. People with a spiritual bent of mind should make it a point to visit this temple while on Rajkot tour.

The Swaminarayan temple at Rajkot in Gujarat in India is also noteworthy of the beautiful building and the statue of the Lord Swaminarayan centrally placed and clad, which makes people in thousands to flock to the temple everyday in order to offer their prayers.

The types of social work that The Swaminarayan Temple at Rajkot in Gujarat in India does comprises of making the people learn the ways to quit smoking, anti-social activities, drinking and taking drugs. The Swaminarayan Temple in Rajkot also holds bone marrow and blood donation camps. Several other activities that are practiced as a part of the work of the Swaminarayan Temple of Rajkot comprises of spreading literacy and educating children. The adults are encouraged to learn scriptures and motivate themselves through spiritual introspection and discourses.

The Swaminarayan Temple of Rajkot in Gujarat in India has also actively participated in organizing relief camps in areas hit by natural disaster.
Rajkot is easily accessible from any parts of India and Gujarat. As Rajkot stands as an important city and is well connected to every part of Gujarat and India by trains and buses. Tourists planning to take a flight to Rajkot can also reach Rajkot easily.

Bhootnath Temple (Mandi, Himachal Pradesh)

Bhootnath Temple is a medieval temple, situated in Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh. The controlling deity is Lord Shiva. The idol of Nandi, the sacred bull stands facing the ornate double arch of the sanctuary. Bhootnath temple is built in Shikhara style of architecture, dating back to the period of 1520.

The overhang, cellar and mandap are carved with delicate figures of elephants. Shivratri is celebrated here with huge fanfare, pulling in a number of people from far and wide. Bhootnath Temple can be accessed by bus from Mandi.