In Hinduism, each day of the week holds special significance. Saturday, however, is particularly dedicated to Shani Maharaj, the god of justice. Shani, representing the planet Saturn, is considered a symbol of karma, justice, obstacles, and retribution. It is believed that sincerely worshipping Shani Dev on Saturday removes life's obstacles, pacifies planetary afflictions (grah dosh), and ensures one receives the appropriate results of their actions.
The Mythological Significance of Saturday
Shani Dev is considered the son of Surya Bhagwan (the Sun God). He is known for his somewhat stern nature, dispensing the fruits of one's actions, be they good or bad. People fear Shani's Sade Sati and Dhaiyya (periods of astrological influence), as these times are often filled with challenges and difficulties. However, Shani Dev is essentially the god of justice. If someone sincerely repents for their wrongdoings, helps others, and lives honestly, Shani Dev bestows blessings and resolves their problems.
Ancient religious texts like the Mahabharata and Skanda Purana extensively describe the glory of Shani Dev. These texts explain that worshipping Shani Dev, observing fasts (vrata), and performing specific remedies on Saturday attracts his grace. This day presents the best opportunity to seek his blessings and alleviate life's difficulties. True devotion to Shani Dev brings happiness, success, and peace.
Saturday's Worship Method
- Wake up early on Saturday morning, bathe, and wear clean clothes. Worshipping the Peepal tree holds special significance on this day. Offer water to the Peepal tree and circumambulate it seven times. Light an oil lamp in front of the idol or picture of Shani Dev.
- Wake up early and bathe: Wake up early on Saturday and take a clean bath. Wearing black or blue clothes is considered auspicious, as these colors are dear to Shani Dev.
- Worship the Peepal tree: The Peepal tree is Shani Dev's favorite tree. During worship, offer water to the Peepal tree and circumambulate it seven times. This enhances Shani Dev's grace and brings peace of mind.
Gathering Puja Materials
Gather the necessary items for worship:
- Black sesame seeds (til)
- Mustard oil
- Blue or black flowers
- Black cloth
- Small iron bowl
- Lamp and incense sticks
- Light a lamp: Make a lamp using mustard oil in an iron bowl and light it. This lamp is dedicated to Shani Dev and serves as a means of obtaining his grace.
- Offer black sesame seeds and flowers: After lighting the lamp, offer black sesame seeds and blue or black flowers to Shani Dev. These offerings are very dear to Shani Dev and lead to his blessings.
- Chant the mantra: Meditate in front of the idol or picture of Shani Dev and chant the mantra "Om Sham Shanishcharaya Namah" at least 108 times. Chanting this mantra pleases Shani Dev and removes life's obstacles.
- Worship Hanuman Ji: Be sure to worship Hanuman Ji, as it is said that Shani Dev does not cause any suffering to devotees of Hanuman. Reciting Hanuman Chalisa removes Shani dosha.
- Perform aarti or bhajan: At the end of the puja, perform an aarti for Shani Dev and keep the lamp lit for peace and blessings. This maintains peace and harmony in the home.
Benefits of Observing a Saturday Fast (Vrat)
The tradition of fasting on Saturdays is ancient. It is considered particularly beneficial for those suffering from Shani's Sade Sati or Dhaiyya.
- Relief from Shani Sade Sati and Dhaiyya: Those undergoing Shani Sade Sati or Dhaiyya receive Shani Dev's grace and reduced difficulties by observing a Saturday fast.
- Improvement in business and career: This fast proves beneficial for those facing obstacles in business or employment. It leads to success and opens up new opportunities.
- Victory in legal matters: If someone faces difficulties in court or other legal matters, observing a Saturday fast increases the chances of success in court cases.
- Peace in family life: If there are conflicts, arguments, or disagreements at home, this fast brings peace and understanding to the family environment. Family members begin to live together harmoniously.
- Improved health: Observing a Saturday fast improves a person's health and keeps the mind happy. It reduces stress and anxiety.
Special Mantras for Saturday
Chanting mantras on Saturday provides mental peace and relief from life's problems. Below are some important Shani mantras:
- Seed Mantra:
'Om Praam Preem Proum Sah Shanishcharaya Namah.' - Shani Gayatri Mantra:
'Om Suryaputraya Vidmahe Mahakayaya Dhimahi Tanno Mandah Prachodayat.' - Hanuman Mantra (for protection from Shani's affliction):
'Om Ham Hanumate Namah.'
Chanting these mantras 108 times is considered particularly fruitful.
Shani Dev Aarti
'Jai Jai Shani Dev Jai Jai Shani Dev.
Kष्ट Nivaran Kariye, Bhagaton Ke Sev.
Neelambar Dharin Shuldhara Kaal.
Kripa Drishti Dijai, Sab Hoei Nihaal.
Jai Jai Shani Dev Jai Jai Shani Dev.'
Special Actions to Perform on Saturday
Performing certain specific actions on Saturday attracts Shani Dev's grace and reduces life's troubles. First, offer water to the Peepal tree and light a lamp underneath it. The Peepal tree is considered dear to Shani Dev, so serving it improves Shani's dasha (planetary period). Also, feeding black animals such as a black dog, black cow, or crow on Saturday is considered auspicious. This pleases Shani Dev and brings peace to life.
Furthermore, donate black cloth, black sesame seeds, or iron items to the poor and needy. This donation helps reduce Shani dosha. Reciting Hanuman Chalisa and Sundarkand on Saturday is also very beneficial. Devotion to Hanuman reduces Shani's wrath and maintains contentment and peace of mind. Regularly performing all these actions brings success and prosperity in life.
What Not to Do on Saturday?
One should avoid certain things on Saturday to keep Shani Dev pleased. First, avoid starting new work related to iron or coal, as this can increase problems. Additionally, cutting nails and hair on Saturday is not considered right. Lying or cheating someone on this day is absolutely wrong. People often wear blue or black on this day because it pleases Shani Dev, but belittling or insulting anyone is not good. Therefore, it is very important to have good thoughts and do good deeds on Saturday to maintain prosperity in life.
Saturday is not just associated with fear or planetary afflictions, but it is a day for self-reflection, penance, and walking the path of justice. If a person worships Shani Dev with devotion, chants his mantras, and improves their karma, they will surely achieve stability, success, and peace in life. Saturday's fast, worship, and charity protect a person from negative influences and energize them.
