Shani Dev Temple Kharsali, Uttarakhand
Shani Dev Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to lord shani located in Kharsali, Almora, Uttarakhand. The Temple structure is very old with rock and wooden design. Walk up seven stories of wooden staircase to reach the main chamber at the top of the temple where Lord Shani's blessings. The idol of Goddess Yamuna bring from Yamunotri to the Shani Dev Temple in Kharsali, during the winter season.
Mythological Importance:
As per mythology, Yamuna is the daughter of the Sun God and his consort Chhaya, having one sister Sangya, and a brother Shani Dev, Yamuna Devi also has two cousins Yamraj and Gangotri; and during the first week of the month May every year on the occasion of “AkshyaTritiya”, Lord Shani Dev comes to be with his sister Yamuna at Yamunotri. He returns back to Kharsali, waits till the time when the “Bhai Dooj” or “Yam Dwitiya” arrives, to take her to the Kharsali to be with him. This occasion occurs two days after Diwali (Deepawali).
It is said, once a year, there is a miracle happen in the temple on the day of Kartik Purnima. According to the temple priests, the pitchers on the top of the temple of Shani Dev is changed itself. How does this happen, no information about this miracle, on this day, the devotee who comes the Shani Dev temple, his suffering ends forever.
Based on this, the Shani Temple at Kharsali observes celebrations, while Pilgrims and devotees can have darshan of Shani Dev throughout the year. Shani Dev Temple is about 2 KM away from Yamunotri Dham and a must visit Tirath (Place) while you are at Yamunotri Dham.
Timings
Shani Dev Temple open at 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM