Bhopal, 23 August (Kiran News): The sacred Shani Parvat, also known as Aiti Parvat in Morena district of Madhya Pradesh, has transformed into a major centre of devotion as the two-day Shani Mela commenced on the occasion of Shani Amavasya. Thousands of devotees have begun arriving at the ancient site, which houses the world’s only idol-form temple of Lord Shani.
According to religious belief, Shani Parvat holds deep spiritual significance. It is said that during the Ramayana era, after being freed from Ravana’s captivity, Lord Shani was hurled into the sky by Lord Hanuman with his divine strength, landing on this very hill. Lord Shani then performed penance here and gained divine powers, making the location a site of great reverence.
Extensive Security and Arrangements
The district administration has deployed 600 police personnel, with additional forces from Bhind, Sheopur, and Datia. A 60-member QRF team is also on round-the-clock surveillance. Police booths, lost-and-found centres, and medical camps have been set up, and two drones are being used for aerial monitoring. Parking facilities have been arranged near Shanishchara Station for devotees arriving from Gwalior, and at Ransu Tiraha for those on the Morena-Banmore route. Entry of heavy vehicles like tractors, trollies and trucks is completely restricted for the next two days.
Collector Ankit Asthana stated that over 3.25 lakh devotees visited the fair last year and a higher turnout is expected this time. Keeping crowd safety in mind, food distribution tents (bhandaras) have been set up at a distance from the temple. Separate arrangements have been made for bathing and washing clothes. Ambulances and adequate drinking water facilities have also been arranged.
Rituals and Beliefs
According to Acharya Brijesh Chandra Dubey, Lord Shani is considered the Judge of Kaliyuga. Devotees offer black sesame seeds, mustard oil, black lentils (urad dal), and black clothes to seek blessings. Shani Amavasya holds special importance for ritual baths and donations. After bathing, devotees often abandon their clothes and footwear, believed to carry negativity, which are later auctioned by the administration.
This year’s Shani Amavasya began on 22 August at 11:55 AM and ended on 23 August at 11:35 AM, making 23 August the official day of observance. Acharya Dubey noted that this is the last Shani Amavasya of 2025.
Religious Observances Across the State
Pujari Jitendra Bairagi from the Shani temple stated that devotees perform tarpan and shraddh for ancestral peace on this day. For those suffering from Sade Sati, Dhaiya, Pitra Dosh, Kaal Sarp Yog or other planetary issues, Shani puja is considered highly beneficial.
In Ujjain, thousands of devotees gathered at the Triveni Ghat of Shipra River from midnight for ritual bathing. Special arrangements, including water showers, were made. The Shani temple was beautifully decorated with flowers and Lord Shani was adorned with a royal turban. After rituals, devotees left behind their clothes and footwear before entering the temple for darshan.
Similarly, across riverbanks like Narmada, Tapti, Chambal, Shivna, and Parvati, devotees arrived in large numbers from early morning. Tapti River, considered the sister of Shani Dev and daughter of the Sun, also saw a heavy turnout at Multai in Betul, as bathing in her waters is believed to bring relief from Shani’s ill effects.
From prayers and rituals to mass participation in religious offerings and charity, lakhs of devotees across the state are seen seeking divine grace and blessings of Lord Shani on this spiritually significant day.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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