Shani, one of the nine heavenly bodies collectively called Navagraha, is the god of justice. He represents planet Saturn and is considered to be the most influential planet in astrology. He is the son of Lord Surya Deva and the elder brother of Lord Yama. Shani is the most dreaded planet since it represents misery, sorrow, constraints and delays. However, Shani can also have amazing positive effects if found in a favourable position in your horoscope. Observing Shani Jayanti helps draw the good effects of Saturn in your favour.
Shani is a very slow-moving planet and is called Sanischara. This is also because one of his legs is partially paralyzed and he takes small and slow steps.
Shani Dosha
Before moving further, it’s important to understand Shani Dosha and its effects on human lives. It’s typically a malefic planet and gives just results depending on good and bad deeds done in the previous birth. It can also lead to delays in work or marriage, impotency, quarrels in relationships, respiratory disorders and many other issues.
However, it’s not an entirely negative planet as believed by people. It gives success very slowly through several hurdles, hard work, continuous efforts, and also utmost discipline. He is like a fair judge in human lives.
Sade Sati is the name given to the malefic effects of Lord Saturn. It happens when the planet is weak in your birth chart.
Shani’s Birth
It’s also called Shani Amavasya and it’s the day Lord Shani took birth. He was born to the Sun (Lord Surya) and Chaya, Sandhya Devi’s shadow. Chaya was created by Sandhya Devi (Lord Shani’s wife) since her husband was scorching hot all the time, she could not stay with him. She asked Chaya to take care of her children and her husband during her absence.
Her father requested her to go back to her husband. But, she didn’t like this and because of this, she converted herself into a horse to do severe penance.
When Shani Dev was in his mother’s womb, he turned black because of Surya Deva’s heat. Hence, Shani was born black. He cast an evil eye on his father who was disappointed seeing Shani black. Shani’s look created an eclipse for the Sun who considered him bad luck.
Shani Jayanti
It’s observed to mark the birth of Lord Shani. It comes during Amavasya or new moon day of Vaishakh month. Since it has very strong and, in fact, the highest influence on human lives, it is very vital for all Hindus to celebrate this auspicious day. It’s observed to keep the malicious effects away from our lives to the maximum.
You can also please Shani by offering prayers, performing rituals and visiting the Shani Temple.
Chanting Shani Mantra
There are different Shani mantras, each chanted to address a specific issues.
Sade Sati Mantra
Om Nilaanjana Samaabhasam, Ravi Putram Yamagrajam
Chaaya Martanda Samhubhutam, Tama Namami Shanescharam
Shani Gayatri Mantra
Om Sanaischaraya vidhmahe
Sooryaputraya dhimahi
Tanno manda prachodayat
Lord Shani Mantra
Om Kaakadhwajaaya Vidmahae
Khadga Hastaaya Dheemahi,
Tanno Mandah Prachodayaat
Shani Beej Mantra 1
Om praam preem praum sah shanayishraya namah
Shani Beej Mantra 2
Aum Aing Hring Shring Shung Shanaishcharaye Namah Aum
Shani Beej Mantra 3
Om Hlim Sham Shanaye Namah
Ways to Worship Lord Shani
Shani is believed to be the greatest teacher, a well-wisher and also gives punishment without mercy. He gives all the hardships in life to keep you grounded and also to be aware of the situations.
The sade sati mantra should be chanted every Saturdays during the evenings.
Shani Chalisa is a 40-verse mantra you need to recite to praise him and his divine nature. By chanting this Shani Dev Mantra, you develop humility, patience and tolerance through which your desires will be fulfilled.
Along with this mantra, it’s recommended to chant the Hanuman Chalisa to ward off the evil effects of Mars and Saturn.
Wear Gemstones of Shani
Wear a ring made of blue sapphire on the left middle finger on a Saturday. You will be more intuitive and intelligent. You develop good judgement and induce peace of mind into your life.
Using energized Shani yantra
The benefits of using Shani yantra are:
- Relief from sade sati
- Success in business undertakings
- Promotes mental and emotional health
- Strong faith in the divine
Navagraha Shanthi Puja
The nine grahas (celestial bodies) control our karma and our lives. Every planet influences our lives in profound ways. Navagraha puja is performed to reduce the negative effects and promote the positive energies in our lives. The bad times you face are because of the position of the different grahas. You can appease all these grahas by performing Navagraha Shanti puja.
Fasting on Saturdays
This is one of the best remedies to alleviate the malefic effects of Lord Saturn. It’s great to fast the entire day without eating anything. However, if that’s impossible, you can have a light single meal, preferably early in the day and then fast. During the fast, you should also keep chanting Shani mantras and also visit Lord Shani and Lord Hanuman temples. You should refrain from oiling your head, cutting hair, or shaving during this phase. The more disciplined your approach, the better the results.
As part of Shani Jayanti, you have to follow the following points to reap maximum results from the puja:
- Develop the mindset and also mentally be ready to chant these mantras
- A place that is facing the sun and that is also comfortable is important before you begin the process. An uncomfortable place or pose can distract you
- You need to be patient while chanting the mantras. Don’t stop midway if its taking time to see results
- Stay calm and visualize the deity all through the chanting process. You can also do this by closing your eyes for some parts of the day
- Always think why you are chanting the mantra and keep your focus with a clear mind
- Follow a proper breathing method while chanting since it helps control your voice and helps you to maintain the rhythm
- Practice correct pronunciation while chanting the mantra since wrong pronunciation can impact you negatively
- Use bead or japa mala while chanting the mantras. It can help you to add closure for each completed mantra.
- Closing the eyes while chanting the mantra
- Don’t chant the mantra loudly since it’s not the correct way to chant
- Meditate for some time before you start chanting your mantra
- It’s very important to keep the faith throughout the process. The desired results will come if you have complete faith in the mantra
Charitable Donations
Shani God has a powerful influence on those who have complete faith in him. Though there will be hardships, you will see major improvements once you start worshipping him. Providing for charity is another profound way to appease Lord Shani and attract positive energies from him.
You can give blue or black clothes, iron items or items made from clay and leather. Black gram and black sesame seeds can also be given. Remember, you have to give all these to the poor and needy people.
It’s also advisable to mix jaggery and sesame seeds and scatter it in a plot of land. You can also mix flour and jaggery and fill ant holes with it. Alternatively, you should also worship Dakshinamukhi Hanuman to appease Lord Shani. You can use oil and black beans seeds (til seeds) to purify Lord Hanuman’s idol before worshipping. Go to a Shani temple where there is a Navagraha Shrine and also a pipal tree. Start your ritual by lighting an oil lamp in the evening and circumambulate around it seven times. Finally, also make sure to offer seven laddoos to a black dog.
Shani Jayanti Conclusion
The planet Saturn is a cruel planet as depicted in ancient Vedic texts. This celestial body is also a judge of our past deeds. If you have a weak effect of Saturn in your horoscope, you will face hardships for a prolonged period of time. Your progress will also be very slow.
Shani has a paralyzed leg and this is the reason he moves very slowly. This means the good results to come are also very slow. However, a favourable Saturn in your horoscope ensures success, good name and fame.
Hence, to ward off the evil effects of Lord Shani, millions of people throng Shani temples, offering pujas and also perform rituals to appease him. All said and done, if you perform all the ritualistic duties with complete devotion and also stay optimistic, Lord Shani will shower you with positive results and favourable times will begin. It calls for immense patience and continued practices even during the toughest times because Saturn is a very slow-moving planet and results also come very slowly.
However, persistence always bears the right fruit at the right time. Keep doing your duties and never miss the actions to be taken to appease lord Saturn. Results will follow sooner or later.
