User:Qwertyhellraiser/Sonai

Sonai formerly known as Shingnapur, is a village in Nevasa taluka in Indian state of Maharashtra. It has a total area of 31.8 square miles and is home to about 12.5 thousand residents. This village is popular for the fact that there are no doors on the houses, only doorframes. Citizens do not even lock up their valuables and even then no theft has ever taken place in the village. The reason for this peculiarity is that most locals believe the temple of Shani located in the village is a Jagrut Devastan or 'alive temple'. This means that god Shani dwells within the temple and will punish all the wrongdoers. The temple itself is a small, non-consequential structure with no cover. The image of Shani is about five and half feet tall and is placed over a raised pedestal. By the side of the idol is placed a trishul(a three-point spear), a weapon coomonly associeted with Lord Shani. The temple also has an idol of Nandi in the southern part and small idols of Mahadev (Lord Shiva) and Maruti(Lord Hanuman).

A fair is held in honor of the main deity of the temple, Lord Shani on every Amavasya(no-moon day). The fairs that fall on Saturdays witness crowds to the size of 15,000 people as it holds greater significance. At the time of the fair, the idol of Lord Shani is bathed with water and the devotees then present flowers, oil etc. to the God. A palanquin procession of the god is also taken out on the day of the fair.

Sonai has a high school known as Shri Shanishwar Vidya Mandir besides the primary schools operated by the Zilla Parishad(village council). The medical facilities are provided by private medical practitioners. Wells form the main source of water-supply to the village population. The village also has a post office.