Shri Shani Dev Jayanti is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shani, the deity associated with the planet Saturn. Celebrated primarily in India, it honors Lord Shani's birth. Shri Shani Dev Jayanti usually falls on the Amavasya (new moon day) in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, which typically occurs in May or June.
Shani Jayanti is celebrated on Vaishak Vadya Chaturdasi Amavasya and it is believed that God Shani was born on this day. It is celebrated in a very noble manner and all the rituals related to the God Shani are strictly followed given his furious nature. Its one of the most crucial festivals of Shani Shingnapur Shaneshwara Mandir in Maharashtra. Many religious customs are followed on this day.
Influence of Shani on Life
Astrological experts uphold the fact that a person’s success or failure in life is greatly determined by the placement of Shani in their horoscope. Though this is true to a certain extent, the same cannot be taken for granted. Some people even believe in the myth that Shani brings bad luck upon people. Shani is believed to bring in best luck but only in a gradual manner that comes through patience and hard work. One needs to understand the importance of discipline to succeed in life. Maintaining consistency in life helps keep the negative influence under control.
People perform Navgraha puja to the best of their abilities on Shani Jayanti to please the God. Large number of devotees are seen thronging at Shani Temples to ensure that good luck favors them. However, it is not desired that people leave everything to God in the quest of prosperity. Your fate also depends upon the right location and direction of Shani Graha. Shani Yagya has to be performed upon the advice of a seer or pundit to ward off the negative effect of Shani Devta.
Prayers for Shani Dev to Thwart Evil Spirits
Some people are known to observe fast on Shani Jayanti to ensure that they can lead an easy and hurdle free life. The processes and events that follow to fasting are similar to that of Shanivar Vrat or Saturday Fast. However, learning about the process associated with the observation of fast in an accurate manner is something that is needed the most.
People across India are known to perform Shani Vrat to ensure that their personal life is protected to the core besides their families and relatives. There are certain pundits who advice performing Shani Jap 23000 times to maintain a peaceful and prosperous life as per the expectations. Offering special poojas in this context are certainly helpful in changing the position through which your fortunes too could be changed accordingly.On the morning of Shani Jayanti, the idol is cleaned with gangajal, panchamrat, oil and water. Later, Nauratnahaar is positioned on the matinee idol.
On Shani Jayanti devotees perform ‘Shani shanti puja’ and also ‘Shani Thailabhishekam’. Shani homam or yagya are also conducted by the people in the presence of acharya or purohit to protect themselves from all wrongs and black magic. To avoid witchcraft, people wear horse shoe in their fingers and also hang it in their houses. It is commonly believed that lord Shani creates hindrance in one’s growth. Hence, to delight lord Shani, these measures can be followed:
- Shani strotra.
- Intonation of eleven mala of ‘Om Sham Shaneshchraya Namah’.
- Fill the ant holes with concoction of wheat and jaggery.
Rituals and Celebrations
- Prayers and Pujas: Devotees offer special prayers and perform rituals to seek the blessings of Lord Shani. They visit Shani temples, particularly the Shani Shingnapur Temple in Maharashtra, known for its unique tradition of houses without doors, trusting in Shani Dev's protection.
- Fasting: Many devotees observe fasts on this day to please Lord Shani and seek relief from the malefic effects of Shani dosha (astrological influence of Saturn).
- Charity and Donations: It is considered auspicious to donate items such as black clothes, sesame seeds, oil, and iron to the needy, which are believed to appease Shani Dev.
- Reading Scriptures: Devotees read or listen to the Shani Chalisa, Shani Stotra, and other texts related to Shani Dev.
Significance
- Astrological Influence: Lord Shani is known for his influence on one's karma. Worshiping Shani Dev is believed to mitigate the adverse effects of Saturn in one's horoscope and bring prosperity and success.
- Protection from Evil: Shani Dev is also considered a protector against evil forces and bad luck, making his worship particularly significant for those seeking protection and justice.
Major Temples
- Shani Shingnapur Temple: Located in Maharashtra, this temple is one of the most famous shrines dedicated to Lord Shani.
- Thirunallar Shani Temple: Situated in Tamil Nadu, it is another prominent temple where elaborate celebrations take place during Shani Jayanti.
These are some of the steps to prevent Shani dosh and to please lord Shani. This festival has a lot of significance of its own in the Indian culture. People in Madhya Pradesh strongly believe that by worshipping Lord Shani, all the hurdles and problems in one’s path are eliminated. It is considered very essential to get free of Shani Dosh before starting a new venture. With Lord Shani’s blessings, it’s just success all the way.
इस आर्टिकल को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें