Shirdi and Shani Shingnapur are two popular pilgrimage destinations located in the state of Maharashtra, India. Shirdi: Shirdi is a small town situated in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. It is famous for being the home of the renowned saint, Sai Baba. Sai Baba, a revered spiritual leader, lived in Shirdi during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is regarded as a saint and a spiritual master by millions of devotees worldwide. The town of Shirdi attracts a large number of pilgrims who come to seek blessings and pay their respects at the famous Sai Baba Temple. 

     The main attraction in Shirdi is the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, also known as the Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan Temple. It is located in the heart of the town and is a significant place of worship for devotees of Sai Baba. The temple complex includes the Samadhi Mandir, which houses the tomb of Sai Baba, along with other buildings like the Dwarkamai Mosque, Gurusthan, and Chavadi. Devotees visit the temple to offer prayers, seek guidance, and experience a sense of peace and spirituality. 

     Shani Shingnapur:   Shani Shingnapur is a village located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, not far from Shirdi. It is primarily known for its unique temple dedicated to Lord Shani, the Hindu god associated with the planet Saturn. The village gained popularity due to its extraordinary tradition of having no doors or locks in its houses. The villagers believe that Lord Shani protects their homes and that no theft or crime can take place in the village. 

     The Shani Shingnapur Temple is the focal point of the village and is dedicated to Lord Shani. It is a simple open-air temple where devotees can directly offer prayers to the deity. The temple attracts a significant number of devotees who come to seek blessings and appease Lord Shani. Saturdays, which are considered the day of Lord Shani, witness a larger influx of pilgrims. 

  It is worth mentioning that in recent years, the temple authorities have made some changes to the traditional practices, and certain restrictions have been imposed. For example, women were previously not allowed to enter the inner sanctum of the temple, but this rule has been relaxed, and women are now allowed to enter and offer prayers. 

      Both Shirdi and Shani Shingnapur offer a spiritually enriching experience to visitors and remain important pilgrimage sites in Maharashtra. Many devotees combine their visits to both places when they undertake a pilgrimage in this region.