• Source:JND
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Village With No Locks:  From banks to schools and police stations, no building is locked in this Indian village. What has made the residents of this village so secure? The reason is religious, led by utmost faith in their god rather than any fear that can never overpower them. This village, where you will not find a lock or conventional door, is situated in Maharashtra and is known as the Shani Shingnapur village in India. In today’s world, where security is one of the foundational building blocks of society, the idea seems difficult to digest, but over the years, the villagers' way of living has become significant for building a community, led by trust and divine belief in the Almighty.

This tradition is not new; it's been carried forward by the villagers of Shani Shingnapur for more than 300 years now. It all started when the devotees started worshipping a mysterious yet magnificent black stone, which is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Shani, who is also known as the god of justice and Saturn. The popular folk story about a thief, who tried to steal, became immediately ill with a brutal disease, made their belief more strong in this age-old tradition.

Also Read: Interesting Facts About Shani Shingnapur Temple; Why Lord Shani Idol In This Temple Is Kept Under Open Sky?

Also Read: 5 Must-Visit Temples In Maharashtra For A Divine Spiritual Awakening

Here, homes, shops and public buildings stay wide open all the time, while villagers do put on curtains for privacy, showcasing their unbreakable trust. Additionally, the lockless bank was also opened here in 2011, respecting the local beliefs. Even the local police station and post offices are also working without the main doors and locks.

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Apart from villagers, Shani Shingnapur is a pilgrimage destination that attracts more than 40,000 devotees a day, as per the BBC data. Though in the past few years, the village has witnessed one or two theft incidents, villagers strongly believe that any act of crime will bring misfortune to them or the famous ‘Sade-Sati,’ which is God Shani Dev's curse of seven and a half years of bad luck.

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