
Kokilavan Dham Shani Dev
A sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shani Dev, known for its powerful spiritual energy and the legend of Lord Krishna's visit.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the weekend rush

Kokilavan Dham Shani Dev
Best Time
Beat the weekend rush
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shani Dev, known for its powerful spiritual energy and the legend of Lord Krishna's visit.
"The temple radiates strong spiritual energy, especially during Shani puja, leaving devotees feeling deeply connected. "

🎯 Arrive Early on Saturdays
Beat the crowds on Saturdays by arriving before 8 AM.
💧 Consider a Holy Dip
Many visitors take a dip in the ponds before visiting the temple.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lord Shani Dev Statue
Main Sanctum
A striking black stone statue of Lord Shani, radiating divine energy and drawing thousands of devotees.

Spiritual Aura
Temple Complex
Experience the profound spiritual energy and peaceful atmosphere that draws pilgrims seeking blessings and solace.

Lord Krishna's Darshan Spot
Forest Area
Visit the sacred forest where Lord Krishna is believed to have met Lord Shani Dev, adding to the temple's mystique.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything on Shaniwar
Donations & Offerings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early on Saturdays
Beat the crowds on Saturdays by arriving before 8 AM.
💧 Consider a Holy Dip
Many visitors take a dip in the ponds before visiting the temple.
💰 Be Wary of Donation Demands
Some priests can be aggressive with donation requests.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the temple complex. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early on Saturdays
Beat the crowds on Saturdays by arriving before 8 AM.
💧 Consider a Holy Dip
Many visitors take a dip in the ponds before visiting the temple.
💰 Be Wary of Donation Demands
Some priests can be aggressive with donation requests.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the temple complex. :athletic_shoe:
🍲 Enjoy Free Bhandaras
Plenty of free community kitchens offer delicious meals. :knifeforkplate:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Kokilavan Dham for its powerful spiritual energy and the divine aura of Lord Shani Dev, making it a deeply moving pilgrimage site. The presence of free community kitchens is a significant plus. However, overcrowding on Saturdays, aggressive donation demands from some priests, and cleanliness issues around the sanctum are recurring concerns. The poor condition of the Parikrama route also detracts from the experience for some.
"Sani Dev Mandir in Kokilavan is a peaceful and divine place surrounded by natural beauty. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shani and attracts devotees from across the country, especially on Saturdays. The environment is calm and spiritual, and the chants of mantras create a powerful energy. The temple’s architecture is simple yet impressive, and nearby ponds and trees add to its serenity. Visiting Kokilavan gives a deep sense of positivity and relief from worries — it feels like a perfect place to seek blessings and inner peace."
Raja Sahu
""Life-changing experience at this ABA centre! The therapists are highly skilled and truly dedicated to helping children reach their full potential. My child has made tremendous progress, and we couldn't be happier with the support and care provided. Five stars isn't enough!""
Prachi Dagar
"The temple radiates strong spiritual energy, especially during Shani puja, leaving devotees feeling deeply connected. Peaceful surroundings and well-performed rituals create a powerful atmosphere for worship. However, overcrowding on Saturdays leads to long waits and discomfort, while some priests aggressively demand excessive donations. Cleanliness around the sanctum suffers due to oil spills and poor maintenance. Nearby shops exploit visitors with overpriced offerings. Despite these flaws, the temple's divine aura keeps devotees returning. The Parikrama route is also very bad. The road has been in bad condition for many years, still the government is not doing anything for this."
Suneel Kumar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kokilavan Dham is located near Kosi Kalan in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. You can reach Mathura by train or bus from major cities. From Mathura, local buses, taxis, or auto-rickshaws can take you to the temple. Some visitors mention paid parking available a few hundred meters away, with local autos offering rides to the temple.
Paid car parking is available about 200-300 meters away from the temple. Local auto-rickshaws are available from the parking to the temple entrance.
Local buses and auto-rickshaws are common options from Mathura to Kosi Kalan, from where you can get to Kokilavan Dham. Taxis are also available for a more direct route.
Many devotees perform a 'Parikrama' (circumambulation) around the temple. However, the road condition for the Parikrama route is reported to be poor.
Yes, it's possible to visit Kokilavan Dham as a day trip from Delhi, though it will be a long day. It's approximately a 3-4 hour drive each way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is generally no entry fee to visit Kokilavan Dham. However, donations are welcomed and appreciated by the temple authorities.
The temple is typically open from early morning until late evening. It's advisable to check specific timings, especially around major festivals or events.
Saturdays are dedicated to Lord Shani, making them the most auspicious day for Shani Puja. However, these are also the busiest days.
No, advance booking of tickets is not required for visiting Kokilavan Dham as there is no entry fee.
Modest and respectful clothing is recommended when visiting any religious site, including Kokilavan Dham. Avoid revealing attire.
🎫 🙏 Onsite Experience
Kokilavan Dham is revered as the place where Lord Krishna is believed to have met Lord Shani Dev. It's a significant pilgrimage site for devotees of Shani Dev, seeking blessings for justice, relief from suffering, and good fortune.
Devotees offer prayers, perform pujas, and donate oil to Lord Shani. Many also take a holy dip in the temple ponds before offering their prayers.
Saturdays are extremely crowded, with thousands of devotees visiting. This can lead to long waiting times and a less comfortable experience.
While the temple has a strong spiritual aura, some visitors note that cleanliness around the sanctum can be an issue due to oil spills and maintenance challenges.
Yes, there are ponds where visitors can take a holy dip before proceeding to the temple.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are numerous free 'bhandaras' (community kitchens) that offer meals to devotees. This is a significant aspect of the temple's community service.
While the focus is on the temple and its offerings, you can find local eateries and shops in the vicinity of Kosi Kalan and Mathura.
The free bhandaras are a popular and satisfying option for many visitors.
Some reviews suggest that shops near the temple may overcharge visitors for offerings. It's wise to be mindful of prices.
The bhandaras typically serve simple, wholesome Indian vegetarian meals, often including roti, dal, and rice.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can vary. It's best to check for signage or ask temple authorities. Generally, photography inside the main sanctum might be restricted.
The ornate pavilions, the black and gold Shani Dev statue, and the temple complex itself offer great photographic opportunities. The surrounding forest area also has a serene beauty.
Drone photography is generally not permitted at religious sites without prior permission from authorities.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light, making for better photographs. Weekdays will also provide fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
Be respectful when photographing rituals. It's advisable to ask for permission from those involved or observe from a distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for the possibility of aggressive donation requests, and have a plan for how to handle this with children present. The temple complex is spread out, so comfortable footwear is a must for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Kokilavan Dham
The temple complex itself is spread over approximately 20 acres and features a prominent, life-size statue of Lord Shani Dev carved from black stone. The architecture often includes ornate, pale pink pavilions, creating a visually striking contrast. Beyond the main Shani Dev shrine, the premises may house other smaller temples dedicated to various deities, making it a comprehensive pilgrimage destination.
Visitors often describe the temple as radiating a strong spiritual energy, especially during Shani puja. The peaceful surroundings, combined with well-performed rituals, contribute to a powerful atmosphere for worship. Many devotees feel a deep connection to the divine here, making it a place they return to despite any logistical challenges.
Navigating Crowds and Donations
While the spiritual fervor is palpable, some visitors have reported instances of priests aggressively demanding excessive donations. It's advisable to be prepared for this and to offer only what you are comfortable with. Many devotees find solace and sustenance in the numerous free 'bhandaras' (community kitchens) that operate within or near the temple complex, offering wholesome meals to all.
Beyond the main temple, the 'Parikrama' route is also a significant part of the pilgrimage for some. However, recent feedback indicates that the road condition for the Parikrama is poor, a point of concern for local authorities to address.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit