As stated earlier, the nine planets of solar system are not just the planetary bodies that revolve around the Sun. According to the Hindu Vedic tradition and scripture, the nine planets are considered no less than gods and are worshipped in places like Nepal, India and other South Asian nations. Among the nine planets, some of the planets are considered benevolent based on their planetary position during the time of the birth of an individual. While, some other planets, because of their positions during the birth of an individual are considered as malevolent and are thought to exert bad influences on people. Hence, the planetary gods need to be worshipped time and again so as to appease them and not invite bad influence and effect on an individual’s life.
Amongst the nine planets, Saturn (the planet with the ring) is considered as the most difficult one to appease and is feared by people whose planetary position at the time of their birth was not was appropriate. Saturn is hence most worshipped by people, wishing to ward off bad evils and invite good fortunes in life. People have strong belief that performing Shani Shanti Havan or Pooja will appease the Saturn god and invite all the good fortunes that they were lacking in life so far.
Influence of Shani dhaiya is faced by natives of Karkat (cancer) and Meena (Pisces) horoscope. To pacify the heat of adverse Shani persons of the people who have this Rashi or horoscope are advised to go for the ‘Shani dosha’ remedies immediately. Influence of Shani will also be felt by persons going through the main and sub period of Shani, Rahu and Ketu. All these are suggested to conduct the Shani Amavasya Puja and Shani Daan , Oil Abhishekam so that quantum of suffering or debt is reduced.
This Puja is also a remedy for sins and relief from shani sade sati/dhaiya problems.
According to Hindu tradition or the ancient scriptures, the planet Saturn in our birth chart signifies things like perfection, introspection, conscience, discipline, asceticism, yoga, contemplation, meditation and inner silence.
It also shows us the way to enlightenment, philosophy, metaphysics, religion, grief, depression, patience, endurance, persistence, responsibility, seriousness, sense of duty, slowness, obstacles, frustration, coolness, contraction, caution, suspicion, reservation, exploration, discovery, invention etc.
Hence performing the above mentioned, Shani Shanti Havan or Pooja removes the bad evils of Saturn planet and helps us to embark on the path of prosperity.
Shani Dev: Significance, Puja Process, Samagri, and Mantras
Significance of Shani Dev
Shani Dev, also known as Lord Shani or Saturn, is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. He is the personification of the planet Saturn and is often depicted as a powerful deity who delivers justice and retribution based on one's karma. Shani Dev is believed to influence an individual's life span, career, health, and overall destiny. Worshiping Shani Dev is said to mitigate the adverse effects of his planetary position, bring relief from suffering, and ensure justice and protection from evil forces.
Brief Introduction
Shani Dev is typically worshipped on Saturdays, which is considered his special day. Devotees perform various rituals and observe fasts to appease him and seek his blessings. The worship of Shani Dev is particularly significant during the periods of Sade Sati (seven and a half years of Saturn transit) and Shani Mahadasha (major period of Saturn). These times can be challenging, and devotees believe that performing Shani Puja can alleviate difficulties and bring positive changes.
Puja Process
The Shani Dev Puja process is comprehensive and involves several steps to honor and appease the deity:
- Purification (Achamana and Sankalpa): The puja begins with self-purification and the purification of the surroundings. Devotees take a ceremonial sip of water (Achamana) and make a vow (Sankalpa) to perform the puja with pure intentions.
- Invocation (Avahana): Shani Dev is invoked into his idol or image through specific mantras, welcoming his divine presence.
- Offering of Seats (Asana): The deity is offered a symbolic seat, often made of black sesame seeds, inviting him to take his place in the worship area.
- Offering Water (Padyam, Arghyam, and Achamanam): Water is offered to wash the feet, hands, and face of the deity, signifying purification.
- Bathing the Deity (Abhishekam): The idol is ceremonially bathed with substances like sesame oil, milk, and water, symbolizing sanctification and purity.
- Dressing the Deity (Vastra and Alankara): The idol is adorned with new clothes, preferably black or dark blue, and decorations, including garlands, showing respect and devotion.
- Offering Fragrances and Flowers (Gandha and Pushpa): Fragrant items like sandalwood paste and flowers are offered to please the deity.
- Offering Food (Naivedya): Various food items, especially black sesame sweets, black gram (urad dal) dishes, and other vegetarian offerings, are presented to Shani Dev.
- Aarti and Prayers: The puja concludes with the Aarti, a devotional song, and the distribution of Prasad (blessed food) among the devotees. This is followed by the chanting of Vedic hymns and mantras to invoke divine blessings.
Puja Samagri (Items Required for the Puja)
For a successful Shani Dev Puja, the following items are essential:
- Shani Dev idol or picture
- Black sesame seeds
- Black cloth
- Black gram (urad dal)
- Sesame oil
- Milk
- Water
- Turmeric powder (Haldi)
- Vermilion (Kumkum)
- Sandalwood paste (Chandan)
- Incense sticks (Agarbatti)
- Camphor (Kapoor)
- Betel leaves and nuts
- Fresh flowers and garlands
- Fruits and sweets, especially black sesame sweets
- Coconuts
- Rice grains
- Lamps (Diyas) and ghee
- Holy water (preferably from the Ganges)
- New clothes for the deity
Mantras for Shani Dev Puja
Reciting mantras is a vital part of Shani Dev Puja, invoking the divine blessings of Lord Shani. Key mantras include:
- Shani Dev Invocation Mantra:
Om Sham Shanaischaryaye Namah
Translation: Salutations to Lord Shani.
- Shani Beej Mantra:
Om Praam Preem Praum Sah Shanaishcharaya Namah
Translation: Salutations to Lord Shani, the slow-moving one.
- Shani Gayatri Mantra:
Om Sanaischaraya Vidmahe Chhaya Putraya Dheemahi Tanno Manda Prachodayat
Translation: We meditate on Lord Shani, the son of Chhaya. May that slow-moving one inspire and guide us.
- Shani Mahamantra:
Om Nilanjana Samabhasam Ravi Putram Yamagrajam Cahaya Martanda Sambhutam Tam Namami Shanaishcharam
Translation: I bow to Lord Shani, who is as radiant as a blue mountain, the son of the Sun, born to Chhaya, and the elder brother of Yama.
By following these steps, utilizing the specified materials, and chanting the mantras with devotion, devotees can perform Shani Dev Puja with reverence, inviting the blessings of Lord Shani into their lives for protection, justice, and relief from hardships.
