Shirdi to Shani Shingnapur: The Ultimate Travel & Worship Guide (2026)

Author: Rengha Holidays Digital Team | Category: Spiritual Tourism | Reading Time: 6 Minutes

Quick Travel Facts

Distance: 72–75 km (Approx. 1.5 to 2 hours drive).
Best Mode of Travel: Private Taxi or Shared Cab.
Taxi Fare: Starts from ₹1,800 (One-way/Round trip vary) | Shared Cab: ₹300 – ₹500 per person.
Temple Timings: Open 24/7 (Best Darshan time: Early Morning or Evening).
Worship Special: “Tailabhishekam” (Oil Offering) in wet clothes.
Best Tour Package: Chennai to Shirdi Tour Package by Rengha Holidays.

Pilgrims visiting Shirdi often complete their yatra by visiting the Shani Shingnapur temple, located just 72 km away. The journey takes about 90 minutes by road. While buses are available, hiring a private taxi is the most convenient option for families, costing between ₹2,000 and ₹3,500. Devotees can perform the unique “Valipadu” (Oil Abhishekam) here. For a hassle-free trip, Rengha Holidays offers complete flight packages from Chennai including food, accommodation, and VIP Darshan.

Introduction: The Village with No Doors

After seeking the blessings of Sai Baba in Shirdi, no pilgrimage is complete without visiting the Swayambhu (self-manifested) idol of Lord Shani at Shani Shingnapur. Famous as the “village with no doors,” this sacred spot in the Ahmednagar district is believed to be protected by Lord Shani himself.

But how do you get there? What are the rituals? And where should you stay? This complete guide answers all your questions.

1. Shirdi to Shani Shingnapur: Distance & Route

The route is a smooth drive through the rural landscapes of Maharashtra.

Distance: 72 km to 75 km.
Travel Time: 1 Hour 45 Minutes to 2 Hours.
Route: Shirdi ➝ Rahata ➝ Ahmednagar Highway ➝ Sonai ➝ Shani Shingnapur.
Road Condition: Mostly good, but expect some traffic near Rahata.

2. Taxi Services & Fare Guide (2026)

Since there are no trains between Shirdi and Shani Shingnapur, road transport is your only option.

Private Taxi Options

You can find plenty of taxis near the Sai Baba Temple complex. However, booking online or through a trusted operator avoids bargaining hassles.

Hatchback (Indica/Swift): ₹1,800 – ₹2,200 (Round Trip)
Sedan (Dzire/Etios): ₹2,500 – ₹3,000 (Round Trip)
SUV (Innova/Ertiga): ₹3,500 – ₹4,500 (Round Trip)

Shared Cabs & Buses

Shared Jeeps: Available from Shirdi Bus Stand (Approx. ₹300 – ₹500 per seat).
MSRTC Bus: Government buses run frequently. Ticket cost is approx ₹100 – ₹150, but they can be crowded.

3. Shani Shingnapur Valipadu (Worship) Complete Guide

The worship method here is unique and powerful.

What to Buy for Offering?

You will find shops selling “Puja Thali” outside the temple. A standard offering includes:

Mustard Oil (primary offering)
Black Sesame Seeds (Ellu)
Black Cloth
Black Urad Dal
Iron Nail or Ring

The Ritual (Tailabhishekam)

Head Bath: Devotees must take a head bath before entering. Showers are available at the temple complex.
Dress Code:
- Men: Traditionally, men perform the Abhishekam in wet clothes (usually an orange or black dhoti) without an upper garment.
- Women: Can offer prayers and oil in decent traditional attire (Saree/Chudidhar).
The Offering: You carry the oil in a copper vessel and pour it over the black stone idol of Lord Shani. This is believed to calm the planet’s malefic effects (Sade Sati).
Pradakshina: Circumambulate the idol to complete the prayer.

Pro Tip: On Saturdays and Shani Amavasya, the crowd is massive. Plan to reach by 4:00 AM for a quicker Darshan.

4. Hotels Nearby Shani Shingnapur

Most devotees prefer to stay in Shirdi and make a day trip. However, if you wish to stay near the Shani temple, here are some options:

Hotel Sai Yatri: Budget-friendly, decent amenities.
Bhakta Niwas: Temple trust accommodation (Basic, very affordable).
Mid-Range Hotels: There are several lodges in Sonai village (5 km away) that offer AC rooms.

For luxury and comfort, we recommend staying in Shirdi and driving down.

5. Chennai to Shirdi Tour Package (By Rengha Holidays)

Why worry about booking flights, taxis, and hotels separately? Rengha Holidays brings you the most trusted spiritual package from Tamil Nadu.

Package Highlights:

Flight: Round-trip flight from Chennai to Shirdi/Pune.
Transport: AC Luxury Bus/Car for Shirdi, Shani Shingnapur, and Nashik (Triambakeshwar).
Stay: 3-Star or 4-Star AC Hotel accommodation close to the temple.
Food: South Indian food provided (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Guide: Tamil/English speaking guide throughout the trip.
Darshan: VIP Darshan assistance for Sai Baba and Shani Shingnapur guidance.

Itinerary Snapshot:

Day 1: Arrival in Shirdi, VIP Sai Baba Darshan.
Day 2: Drive to Shani Shingnapur (Abhishekam) & Renuka Mata Temple.
Day 3: Visit Triambakeshwar (Jyotirlinga) & Return to Chennai.

👉 View Full Package: http://www.renghaholidays.com/

Key Takeaways

Plan: Combine Shirdi and Shani Shingnapur in a 2-day trip.
Travel: Hire a private cab from Shirdi for comfort (Approx ₹3,000).
Ritual: Men need to be prepared for the “wet clothes” ritual for close access.
Booking: For a stress-free experience, choose Rengha Holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can women enter the inner sanctum of Shani Shingnapur? A: Yes. Historically there were restrictions, but following a High Court order in 2016, women are now allowed to enter the sanctum sanctorum (the platform where the idol is placed) and offer prayers just like men.
Q: Is it safe to leave our houses unlocked in Shani Shingnapur? A: Yes, the village is famous for having no doors or locks on houses, shops, and even the police station! Locals believe Lord Shani punishes anyone who attempts theft. However, as a tourist, it is always wise to keep your valuables safe in your vehicle or hotel.
Q: Can we cover Shirdi and Shani Shingnapur in a single day? A: Absolutely. If you finish your Sai Baba Darshan in Shirdi by 8:00 AM, you can leave for Shani Shingnapur, spend 2-3 hours there, and return to Shirdi or proceed to Pune/Aurangabad by evening.
Q: What is the dress code for Shani Shingnapur? A:
For General Darshan: No strict dress code, but modest traditional wear is recommended.
For Abhishekam (Oil Offering on the platform): Men usually wear a saffron or black dhoti (often wet) without a shirt/vest. Women can wear sarees or salwar kameez.
Q: Is there a train from Shirdi to Shani Shingnapur? A: No, there is no direct rail connectivity. The only way to reach is by road (Taxi/Bus). The nearest major railway station to Shani Shingnapur is Rahuri (32 km) or Ahmednagar (35 km), but most tourists drive from Shirdi.
Q: What is the best day to visit? A: Saturdays are the most auspicious but also the most crowded. Shani Amavasya (New Moon day falling on a Saturday) is considered the most powerful day for worship. If you want to avoid crowds, visit on a weekday.
Q: Is online booking required for Darshan? A: Unlike Shirdi, Shani Shingnapur is an open-air temple, and usually, online booking is not strictly required for general Darshan. However, for special poojas, you can check with the temple trust or Rengha Holidays for assistance.