the mysterious Shani Dev Temple Ali Village in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan-Learn about its 500-year-old history, oil pond miracle, and legends from Maharana Uday Singh’s era-

Chittorgarh, Sep.26,2025:The Shani Dev Temple Ali Village in Kapasan tehsil of Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, is one of the most unique temples in India. Unlike most temples where deities are installed through rituals, the idol of Shani Maharaj here is said to have mysteriously disappeared and later reappeared in a farmer’s field-

For centuries, this temple has been a center of devotion, miracles, and faith. Every Saturday and Amavasya, thousands of devotees visit to seek blessings from Lord Shani. But what makes this temple truly fascinating is its legendary origin, the natural oil pond, and its deep-rooted history in the time of Maharana Uday Singh of Mewar.

The Lost Idol of Maharana Uday Singh

The story of the Shani Dev Temple Ali Village begins during the reign of Maharana Uday Singh, the father of the legendary warrior Maharana Pratap. According to folklore, the Maharana once carried a sacred idol of Shani Dev on his royal elephant, intending to take it to Udaipur for worship.

However, on the way, the idol mysteriously disappeared. Despite searches, it could not be found, leaving everyone baffled. This event was seen as a divine act, marking the beginning of the temple’s miraculous journey.

Discovery of the Idol in a Jat Farmer’s Field

Sometime after the disappearance, the idol of Shani Dev resurfaced in an unusual place. It was discovered in the field of Jotmal Jat, a farmer from the nearby village of Unchnar Khurd. The idol was found partially buried under a ber (jujube) bush, with only a part visible above the ground.

At that time, the site was locally known as Kala Bheru, a place believed to hold mystical energies. The villagers immediately recognized the sanctity of the idol and began worshipping it.

The Role of a Saint in the Temple’s Creation

When the villagers tried to fully excavate the idol of Shani Dev, they failed. No matter how hard they tried, the idol remained firmly embedded in the ground.

Later, a wandering saint arrived at the spot. Through his spiritual powers, he managed to reveal more of the idol, but a portion still remained underground. The saint then mysteriously vanished, and the villagers believed it was Shani Maharaj himself who had orchestrated the divine act.

This miracle reinforced people’s faith, and the place soon became a sacred site of worship.

Establishment of Shani Dev Temple Ali Village

Following these events, the villagers constructed a shrine at the exact location where the idol appeared. Over time, this shrine transformed into the grand Shani Dev Temple Ali Village, known today as a major religious destination in Rajasthan.

The temple came to be regarded as a seat of divine justice, where devotees pray to Shani Dev to remove obstacles, cure diseases, and bring prosperity to their lives.

The Miracle of the Oil Pond

One of the most astonishing features of the Shani Dev Temple Ali Village is the natural oil pond (Tel Kund).

• Devotees offer oil to Lord Shani as part of their rituals.
• Miraculously, the oil doesn’t get wasted—it flows into a natural kund (pond) near the temple.
• Locals believe this oil has healing properties, especially in treating skin diseases.

This rare phenomenon has added to the temple’s spiritual aura and continues to attract researchers, pilgrims, and tourists alike.

Religious Practices and Faith of Devotees

Devotees at Shani Dev Temple Ali Village follow unique traditions that distinguish this shrine from other temples.

• Offering of Oil and Black Clothes: Oil is considered the most sacred offering to Lord Shani, symbolizing relief from malefic planetary effects.
• Saturdays and Amavasya: These days are regarded as the most powerful for seeking blessings, and the temple witnesses massive gatherings.
• Curing Illnesses: People with chronic diseases, especially skin disorders, often visit the temple to seek divine intervention.

The temple is also seen as a place of karma balance, where worshippers believe their good deeds are rewarded and wrongdoings forgiven.

Annual Fair and Grand Celebrations

The most significant celebration at the Shani Dev Temple Ali Village is the three-day fair during Vaishakh Krishna Paksha Amavasya.

• Massive Participation: Lakhs of devotees from across Rajasthan and neighboring states attend.
• Spiritual Energy: The atmosphere becomes charged with devotional songs, prayers, and rituals.
• Cultural Significance: Alongside religious practices, the fair also hosts local traditions, folk performances, and community feasts.

This annual event transforms the small village of Ali into a grand spiritual hub.

Shani Dev Temple’s Significance in Rajasthan

Rajasthan is dotted with historic temples, but the Shani Dev Temple Ali Village stands apart due to its unique history and living miracles.

• It connects the royal legacy of Maharana Uday Singh with rural devotion.
• The temple is a rare combination of mythology, folklore, and natural wonders.
• It has become one of the most visited Shani temples in North India, alongside Shani Shingnapur in Maharashtra.

For devotees of Lord Shani, this temple is a must-visit destination.

How to Reach Shani Dev Temple Ali Village

• Location: Ali Village, Kapasan, Chittorgarh District, Rajasthan.
• By Road: The temple is well-connected to Chittorgarh (approx. 35 km) and Udaipur (approx. 95 km). Regular buses and taxis are available.
• Nearest Railway Station: Kapasan Railway Station (10 km).
• Nearest Airport: Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur (100 km).

Pilgrims can easily combine this temple visit with a tour of Chittorgarh Fort and other heritage sites.

The Shani Dev Temple Ali Village is more than just a place of worship—it is a site of miracles, history, and unshakable faith. From the mysterious disappearance of the idol in Maharana Uday Singh’s era to its reappearance in a farmer’s field and the creation of the natural oil pond, every aspect of this temple reflects divine power.