Shani Mandir – Wagholi

Shani Mandir, Wagholi: A Serene Pilgrimage in Vasai–Virar

Located in Wagholi, Nalasopara West, the **Shani Mandir**—also called the local “Shani Shingnapur”—is one of the most spiritually uplifting and peaceful temples in Vasai–Virar. Since its inauguration in May 2010, the temple has drawn thousands of devotees every Saturday and on special occasions.

---

📍 Location & Timings

• 📌 Address: Appa Fulare Marg, Wagholi, Nalasopara West, Maharashtra 401203
• 🕖 Opens daily from 7:00 AM to approx. 9:00 PM (Saturday evenings are especially busy)
• 🚗 Parking available for both cars and two-wheelers

—

⏳ History & Architecture

Built in just 90 days in 2010 by Sri Jaywant Naik and designed for spiritual harmony, the temple spans around 12 acres of green land with a charming kaularu-style roof and a serene ambience :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

—

🛕 Main Deity & Rituals

The central deity is a beautiful black‑stone idol of Shri Shani Dev, often worshipped while seated on a buffalo vehicle, holding weapons and blessing devotees :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

—

🙏 Unique Practices & Features

• 🌿 Devotees offer oil, sesame, shriphal, black grams, and flowers for abhishek; the used oil is recycled with herbs and returned as prasad :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• 🌱 Temple doubles as a green sanctuary: medicinal plants and seeds are distributed free to visitors :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• 🏨 Bhakt Niwas (Manibhavan) built in memory of a donor’s mother offers free lodging and a peaceful meditation space :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• 🕯️ The **Deepotsav** (oil‑lamp aarti) every Saturday evening creates a magical, tranquil atmosphere loved by all :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

—

📅 Major Celebrations & Events

• 🪷 Shani Amavasya, Shani Jayanti, and monthly Saturday festivals are main occasions.
• ⚡ Special Hanuman pujas are conducted to appease Shani Dev’s darker effects :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

—

👤 Devotee Experience

Thousands visit every Saturday to perform abhishek on the idol and Black Shani Shila. Many reviewers describe the temple as peaceful, clean, and spiritually uplifting—often calling it a mini‑Shani Shingnapur :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

—

📍 How to Reach

• 🚆 Nearest station: Nalasopara West (approx. 5 km)
• 🚌 Local autos/buses available from Nalasopara, Virar, and Vasai Road
• 🚗 Accessible via Mumbai–Ahmedabad Highway; parking is available on-site

—

✅ Visiting Tips

• 🏞️ Ideal for a peaceful visit on any weekday morning.
• 🕯️ Visit Saturdays for Deepotsav but expect heavy crowds.
• 💧 Bring water and modest offerings; prasad stalls offer refreshments like jhunka, bhakri, and modak :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• 🧹 Maintain the temple’s cleanliness and respect the eco‑friendly practices in place.

— “`html

This serene and eco-conscious Shani temple near Vasai–Virar provides both spiritual solace and community warmth to devotees. A must‑visit for anyone seeking peace, blessings, and a green sanctuary in the suburbs.