Author: Haima Deshpande
Publication: The Indian Express
Date: March 28, 2004
URL: http://www.indianexpress.com/archive_full_story.php?content_id=43853
Introduction: In a temple town in
Maharashtra doors and locks are banned as a mark of respect to the deity
Ever heard of a place where houses
are designed without doors, cupboards have no locks, showcases no doors
and residents are discouraged from buying locks? If anyone fails to follow
this dictat they are warned of grave consequences.
In the 156-year history of village
Shani Shingnapur in Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra, residents have
never installed doors to their houses. Nor do they have a fettish for keeping
things locked. Even new constructions such as police stations, guest houses,
resorts, telephone exchange and other government buildings follow the rule.
The post boxes too have no doors, wire meshes with open designs stop the
letters from tumbling out. In case residents want to hang curtains on the
door openings it is mandatory that they should be transparent.
Despite the changes in the intervening
years, the estimated 6,500 residents in this village live with the singular
belief that Lord Shaneshwar (Saturn) protects them from thieves and other
ills. Surprisingly, there is no such bar for those living outside the parameters
of Shani Shingnapur. Visit any part of this village and even the most plush
bungalows follow the stated rule.
Shopkeepers leave their shops open
even at night. ''When God is protecting us we are not afraid. If anyone
wants something from the shop they take it and keep the money near the
counter. Life here is based on trust,'' says Ramchandra Pawar, shop owner.
Considered one of the most 'awakened'
spiritual centres in Maharashtra no less than 10,000 people visit here
on any given day. However, on Saturdays (considered auspicious for worshipping
Saturn) an estimated 25,000 people visit the village. During the yatra
days (three times a year) about three lakh people visit the village on
a single day. Only men are allowed to worship the deity; women cannot mount
the platform housing the deity.
According to legend about 156 years
ago, in a heavy downpour the Panas Nala (stream) was flooded. A black idol
flowing along the stream got stuck in the thorny zizyphus plant, about
150 metres from this village. The flood abated and the idol was spotted
by shepherds. They poked the idol with their sticks and it started bleeding.
On being intimated about the incident the villagers ran to the spot.
The legend states that on two consecutive
nights a villager had recurring dreams in which the idol asked to be consecrated
in the village. They did. However a divine voice warned them that no roof
should be built over the idol nor should it be moved from the place where
it was initially installed.
Kamal Dynandev Sable, the village
headwoman (sarpanch) reiterates the legend. ''There have been no robberies
in the village. When someone has tried they have gone blind and unless
they confessed they were unable to leave the village,'' she says narrating
an instance of attempted robbery in her house. ''We keep our money in banks
that have been built outside the village. When married daughters come to
visit us they are warned not to carry any locks with them. They must bring
their belongings in bags, not suitcases,'' says Sable.
Though the entire village is green
with lush standing crop, the area where the deity is installed is open
without even a single tree. Residents claim a tree planted by a devotee
to provide shade to the idol just withered away despite adequate care.
Since then no tree or greenery grows in the precincts of the idol.
Says villager Balasaheb Gangadhar
Dhokne, a driver, ''Our toilets and bathroom too do not have doors. Architectural
tricks help maintain the privacy of rooms,'' he says.
People here have large families
but do not mind the lack of privacy. ''When we want some private time we
draw the curtains. This is the indication to keep off,'' says Dynandeo
Sable.
Politicians, actors and businessmen,
all make it a point to pay obeisance to the deity here. Well known visitors
include singers Udit Narayan and Anuradha Paudwal, actors Govinda, Jaya
Prada, Dara Singh, Aditya Panscholi, Sridevi, Shilpa Shetty and Akshay
Kumar, director Ramanand Sagar of the Ramayan fame.
In fact, during the political upheaval
in Maharashtra, incumbent deputy chief minister Vijaysinh Mohite Patil
paid his respects to the deity. According to the sarpanch he got his present
assignment soon after. Little wonder then, that the village is still keeping
up the faith.
