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Uttaranchal Shani Temple
Astronomically and astrologically, Saturn is the biggest and farthest planet in Solar System, which is having the name Shani in Sanskrit. Those who believe astrology consider Shani as a planet having restraining character and they offer prayers to him to be kind to them at times when they come in contact with him. There are a few temples in India for Shani of which the one in Uttrakhand is significant and famous.
Shani temple at Kharsali village is situated at a height of 7000 ft, the village actually housing two Shani temples, one of them built with Stone and wood, in a 4 storey structure. Since this location is prone for earthquakes and floods, wooden slits are constructed over the temple as a measure of protection. Shani Maharaj is installed in form of a bronze icon at the top floor of the building, to which there is a wooden staircase constructed in the side.
Shanidev is the brother of Yamuna, as per mythology and pilgrims visit this place as the first spot in their Chardham Yatra pilgrimage. The Shani temple at Kharsali lies in Uttarkashi in the Hanuman Chatti –Yamunotri route.
Since Yamunotri temple is closed during winter times, the idol of Maa Yamuna is brought to this Shani Temple at Kharsali facilitating devotees to worship her there.
History
As per mythology, Yamuna is the daughter of the Sun God and his consort Chhaya, having one sister Sangya, and a brother ShaniDev, Yamuna Devi also has two cousins Yamraj and Gangotri; and during the first week of May every year on the occasion of “AkshyaTritiya”, Lord ShaniDev comes to be with his sister Yamuna at Yamunotri. He returns back to Kharsali, waits till the time when the “BhaiDooj” or “Yam Dwetiya” arrives, to take her to Kharsali to be with him. This occasion occurs two days after Diwali.
Based on this, the Shani Temple at Kharsali observes celebrations, while Pilgrims and devotees can have darshan of ShaniDev throughout the year.
Architecture
The origin of this temple at Kharsali is still to be found, while there is an inscription on stone wall of the temple, researchers are on the job of deciphering it. According to locals, this temple was constructed by the Pandavas during Mahabharata times, which looks more like fort with stone and wooden four story structure. The material used for raising the main structure include stones, wood the Urad dal or Vignamungo, which had formed the mortar part to fix the stones together. Urad is the cereal produce, which is attributable to ShaniDev, like anything in Black color is connected with Shani Dev. This temple has sustained few earthquakes and floods; however people are surprised that there were no damages to the building since time immemorial. There is a narrow stair case to climb up the temple to reach the fourth floor, where the main Bronze idol of Lord ShaniDev is kept. ShaniDev here presents himself along with the Chhaya, Sangya and Nag Devta. There are two urns kept here, one big and the other small which are said to change their positions themselves on Full moon and New Moon nights.
Yamuna devi’s idol from Yamunotri temple is brought and kept in the first floor of the temple during winter times, as Yamunotri temple is closed during those days.
How To Reach
Kharsali can be reached by two routes, one from Hanuman Chatti towardsYamunotri and the other through Janaki Chatti route, easier to trek from Janaki Chatti. Ponies and Dandies are also available for ride, which can be availed by those not able to trek.
Rishikesh or Dehradun are places from where road transport is available in plenty to reach Kharsali and there are good motorable roads to Rishikesh and Dehradun.
By air one can fly to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport and then avail a helicopter service to Kharsali, a 30 min flying time from Sahastradhara helipad. Helicopter booking must be done in advance.
By rail, Dehradun is the nearest Railway Station, to which trains from all parts of the country have connections.
Significance Of The Temple
This is the oldest temple of Lord ShaniDev, while there are other temples also situated in other parts of the country.
Pandava Nritya, a kind of dance, is performed during the months of July, August here, by the special people in the courtyard mainly to please the Nag Devta, the dance starting after midnight large number of locals participating in the festival. It is believed that one who observes fast on this day, also reciting the Mahamritunjay Mantra will not have unnatural death. It is also the belief that Nag Devta appears in real form at this place once every year.
Significance of Shani temple is that any devotee after having one’s darshan and pooja at Yamunotri must complete the darshan by paying visit to this temple also.
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