Shani Dev Temple Kharsali Uttarkashi  Shani Dev Temple is nestled in Kharsali village of Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand. It is the first temple site in the Char Dham Yatra circuit to be visited by the pilgrims. The Shani Dev temple is highly revered by the locals as they believe that the temple was built by the mighty Pandava brothers of the epic Mahabharatha. Religious Significance of Shani Dev Temple As per Hindu mythology, Shani Dev collectively hailed as the ‘God of Karma and Justice’ is the son of Surya. Yamuna is the daughter of the Sun God and his consort Chhaya, having one sister Sangya, and a brother Shani Dev, Yamuna Devi also has two cousins Yamraj and Gangotri; and during the first week of the month May every year on the occasion of “AkshyaTritiya”, Lord Shani Dev comes to be with his sister Yamuna at Yamunotri. He returns to Kharsali, waits till the time when the “Bhai Dooj” or “Yam Dwitiya” arrives, to take her to the Kharsali to be with him. This occasion occurs two days after Diwali (Deepawali). It is said, once a year, there is a miracle that happens in the temple on the day of Karthik Purnima. According to the temple priests, the pitchers on the top of the temple of Shani Dev is changed . No one knows, how this happens. It is believed that when a devotee visits the Shani Dev temple all hi sufferings end forever. Based on this, the Shani Temple at Kharsali observes celebrations, while Pilgrims and devotees can have darshan of Shani Dev throughout the year. Shani Dev Temple is about 2 KM away from Yamunotri Dham and a must visit Tirath (Place) while you are at Yamunotri Dham. Architecture of Shani Dev Temple The Shani Dev temple of Kharsali  exhibits a remarkable stone architecture that resembles a fort having four storey structure. The facade of the temple reminds of the tower monasteries of Tibet. The material used for raising the foundation of the temple include stones, wood, Urad dal or Vigna mungo from which the mortar part is build to fix the stones together. A narrow wooden staircase leads to the bronze effigy of Shani Dev, Chhaya, Sangya and Nag Devta that are enshrined on the fourth floor of the temple building. Since the region is prone to earthquakes and floods, wooden slits have been constructed on the top floor of the building to shield the temple. The temple has sustained few natural disasters and has stood firm on its ground since eternity, strengthening the faith of devotees in the Lord. Those who visit the temple offer Urad Dal or 'Black Gram' to appease the God.