Security has become a major issue for most of us today. We have high tech security systems installed at our places for the safety of all our valuables. Not just that, we double check the doors and windows of our home before going out. But, imagining a house without doors, in today’s time is something absolutely unbelievable for us. Well, it is Unbelievable, but true!

Believe it or not there is a place called “Shani Shingnapur” in Maharashtra which has no doors in the houses, offices and shops. The village of Shani Shingnapur is located 60 kilometers from Shirdi.

Shani Shingnapur is a place where many people go to worship Lord Shanishwara. It is believed that Lord Shanidev is the ruler of planet Saturn. Millions of people across the globe come every year to worship Lord Shanidev to get spiritual benefits.

For generations, the village of Shani Shingnapur has lived in houses with no doors. Only a curtain is used in the house create a barrier for the privacy of people. The residents, at the most use the temporary guard that is used to block stray animals in the house. Here people do not worry about their house while leaving for work. They keep their houses open with no fear of thieves or burglaries. It is believed that whosoever steals from the land of Lord Shanidev will have to pay for the sins they have committed. If somebody goes out of village for few days, they ask their neighbors to keep a watch on their house. Also the village has no Police station. The police say we don’t have any role to play here!

People residing here say that in the history of 156 years, the village has never installed doors to their houses nor are they willing to keep it locked. Even the new construction by government such as guest houses, resorts, telephone exchange and government office are following the rule. The post boxes are wired to keep the letters from falling out. Also it is mandatory for the residents to keep the curtains transparent, if they want to have curtains. Despite the changes in the recent years, the 6500 villagers have faith that Lord Shaneshwar will protect them from all the evils.

Shani Shingnapur village is famous in all over India due to Shani Dev. There are some legends about the village. The Legends are:

“There is God, but no temple.”
“There is a home, but no door.”
“There is a tree, but no shade.”
“There is fear, but no enemy.”

It was January 2011 when UCO Bank opened World’s first lockless branch in the village. The village has almost zero percent crime rate. The local police were reported to be unhappy over this development and that it amounted to a breach of conditions, because the Central government of India has made it mandatory for all banks to have high security. The bank has doors, but they will always remain open. However, it was reported by the local legislator and the bank officials that adequate precautions were being taken for the safety of lockers and important documents.

Shani Bagwan is a gurdian of this village and people live peacefully without any fear even today.