Shirdi to Shani Shingnapur to-and-fro by Force Traveller Van

Shirdi to Shani Shingnapur to-and-fro by Force Traveller Van

The very first thought to travel to Shani Shingnapur from Shirdi was by MSRTC bus.

I reached Shirdi Bus Depot (at Ahmednagar-Manmad Highway, not far from Shri Saibaba’s Samadhi Temple) to enquire about bus timing/fare.

I saw – There are MSRTC buses for Indore, Bhopal, Ujjain, Ratlam, Hyderabad, Gulbarga, Bangalore, Hubli, Bharuch, Surat, Ankleshwar, Palanpur, Bhavnagar, Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Bhusawal, Aurangabad, Palghar, Dahanu, Saptshringi Gad, Mumbai (Dadar), Thane, Mumbai Central, Nashik, Satara, Sangamner, Pune, Kolhapur, Solapur, Ahmednagar, Shanishingnapur.

That’s interesting, isn’t it?

I was told – Shirdi to Shani Shingnapur bus is at 10:15 am from platform No. 1 and the fare is Rs. 135 (if I remember correctly).

Shirdi to Shani Shingnapur MSRTC Bus, Shirdi Bus Depot, Shirdi, Maharashtra

Anyway, I decided to enquire also from private vehicle owners about Shirdi to Shani Shingnapur to-and-fro fare and timing.

I was told there are numerous vehicles for Shani Shingnapur since morning from Shirdi and the fare to-and-fro is Rs. 150 only.

Because private vehicle was starting nearby the temple area, I decided to visit Shani Shingnapur one way by private vehicle and return by MSRTC bus.

The next day at 8:30 am I was near Gate No. 2, Shri Saibaba’s Samadhi Temple.

Force Traveller 19 Seater - Shirdi to Shani Shingnapur (Maharashtra)

Force Traveller Passenger Carrier was parked. I enquired about the seat availability?

Yes, available – He said.

I conveyed to the driver that I do not want to-and-fro ticket. I only want a one-way journey – fare?

Rs. 100 – The reply.

Ok – said I.

The seat was available. I enter the vehicle and grab the seat near the door. It was a 19-seater Force Traveller Passenger Carrier.

At 8:45 am the van was almost full and started its journey but I was surprised when it reached Shirdi Bus Depot and took a U-turn. We again reached nearby Shri Saibaba’s Samadhi Temple to take a few more passengers.

Finally, at 9:15 am the journey was re-started from Shirdi to Shani Shingnapur.

As the highway work is going-on, we passed via villages. It was a rural journey in short.

What I liked most – devotional songs played by the driver during the entire journey such as – Deewana Tera Aaya Baba Teri Shirdi Mein, ek fakira aaya shirdi gaon mein and many more… Thoroughly enjoyed.

At 11:15 am van stopped at Umbre Village for Sugarcane Juice.

Raja – 8 years bull and its masters busy churning sugarcane juice.

Kolhoo ka Bail for Sugarcane Juice at Umbre Village, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, IndiaI had two glasses of sugarcane juice – Rs. 20 per glass.

Not only sugarcane but there was also jaggery – 1 kg for Rs. 60 for sale and Shakkar -1 kg for Rs. 100.

Jaggery (gur) for Sale at Umbre Village, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, IndiaAnyway, after 15 minutes of halt, the van re-started its journey.

At 12 noon reached Shani Shingnapur.

The van was parked in front of Santosh Nariyal Centre almost opposite Shani Shingnapur temple area.

Santosh Nariyal Centre, Shani Shingnapur, Maharashtra, India

The purpose of parking the van at this location was clear. One may purchase puja items needed for the pooja of God Shani. Purchased. Rs. 200 paid (you have to bargain) excluding mustard oil. I will suggest: buy mustard oil from temple area. Its for Rs. 40 if I remember correctly.

I stayed almost one hour or so at Shani Shingnapur temple and then in-search for MSRTC bus for Shirdi.

Upon query, I was told – the bus will come at Shani Shingnapur bus depot (opposite and nearby Shani Shingnapur temple).

I waited for one hour but no bus. One person said: Bus goes further towards the village and will return.

I waited till 1:45 pm and finally walk in search of a bus or van for Shirdi.

I found again – Force Traveller Van and the fare – Rs. 100 because it’s a one-way journey.

The van started journey at 2:00 pm from Shani Shingnapur.

For 10 minutes it stopped during the journey at a sugarcane shop and I purchased 1 kg jaggery for Rs. 70.

Jaggery (gud) purchased during Shani Shingnapur to Shirdi journey by Force Traveller Passenger CarrierAnd reached Shirdi at 4:00 pm. Two hours journey, lesser than morning journey time and the route if I am correct was different from the morning. Anyway, I enjoyed both to-and-fro journeys but yes, I missed experiencing travelling via MSRTC bus. Maybe someday.

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