Shani puja

About Shani puja

Shani Puja, also known as Shani Jayanti, is an important Hindu festival celebrated every year in honour of Lord Shani, the son of Lord Surya and Chhaya. Lord Shani is considered the god of justice and is responsible for dispensing the consequences of our actions. He is often depicted as a dark and fearsome figure with a stern countenance and a sword in his hand. The word 'Shani' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Shanaihchara', which means 'slow-moving' or 'restrictive'. Lord Shani is believed to move slowly through the zodiac, taking approximately two and a half years to pass through each sign. His influence is said to be particularly strong during the period when he is transiting through one's zodiac sign, also known as Shani Sade Sati.

Shani Puja is observed on the day of Amavasya, or no moon day, in the month of Jyeshtha, which falls between May and June according to the Gregorian calendar. This day is considered auspicious for performing various rituals and seeking Lord Shani's blessings. Devotees offer prayers, perform special pujas, and make offerings to Lord Shani to appease him and seek his protection.

Importance of Shani Puja

Shani Puja is considered extremely important for those who are going through a difficult phase in their life, particularly if they are undergoing the effects of Shani Sade Sati. It is believed that Lord Shani's blessings can help alleviate the negative effects of this period and bring peace and prosperity to one's life.

The blessings of Lord Shani are also sought by those who wish to overcome obstacles and challenges in their life. He is said to be the dispenser of karma and the lord of justice, and his blessings are believed to bring fairness and balance in one's life. Those who seek his blessings are said to be rewarded with success, prosperity, and good health.

How to perform Shani Puja?

Shani Puja can be performed at home or in a temple. The following is a step-by-step guide on how to perform Shani Puja:

• Clean the puja area: Begin by cleaning the area where the puja is going to be performed. This includes cleaning the puja mandap, the deity's idol or photo, and the puja utensils.
• Take a bath: Take a bath and wear clean clothes before performing the puja.
• Offerings: Offerings for Lord Shani include black sesame seeds, mustard oil, black urad dal, and black clothes. These items are considered auspicious and should be used during the puja.
• Light a diya: Light a diya or lamp and place it in front of the deity's idol or photo.
• Chant mantras: Chant the Shani Mantra, which goes like this: "Om Sham Shanaischaraya Namah". This mantra should be chanted 108 times.
• Offerings to Lord Shani: Offer black sesame seeds, mustard oil, black urad dal, and black clothes to Lord Shani.
• Pray: Pray to Lord Shani and seek his blessings. Ask for his protection and guidance in your life.
• Conclude the puja: Once the puja is complete, offer the prasad to Lord Shani and then distribute it among the devotees.

It is important to note that Shani Puja should be performed with devotion and sincerity. It is believed that Lord Shani is pleased with those who perform the puja with a pure heart and unwavering devotion.

Benefits of Shani Puja

Performing Shani Puja is believed to bring numerous benefits to the devotees. Some of the key benefits of performing Shani Puja are as follows:

• Protection from negative effects: Lord Shani is known to bring about the effects of our karma, both good and bad. Performing Shani Puja is believed to appease Lord Shani and protect us from the negative effects of our actions.
• Overcoming obstacles: Those who are facing obstacles and challenges in their life can seek Lord Shani's blessings through the puja. It is believed that his blessings can help overcome obstacles and bring success and prosperity.
• Alleviating the effects of Shani Sade Sati: Shani Sade Sati is a period of seven and a half years when Lord Shani transits through one's zodiac sign. This period is believed to bring about challenges and difficulties. Performing Shani Puja during this period is believed to alleviate the negative effects and bring peace and prosperity.
• Brings balance and fairness: Lord Shani is considered the lord of justice, and his blessings are believed to bring balance and fairness in one's life. Those who seek his blessings are said to be rewarded with success, prosperity, and good health.
• Removes negative energies: Performing Shani Puja is believed to remove negative energies and purify the mind and body. It is believed that the blessings of Lord Shani can help overcome negative thoughts and bring clarity of mind.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Shani Puja is an important Hindu festival celebrated in honour of Lord Shani. The festival is observed on the day of Amavasya, or no moon day, in the month of Jyeshtha. Shani Puja is considered extremely important for those who are going through a difficult phase in their life, particularly if they are undergoing the effects of Shani Sade Sati. Performing Shani Puja with devotion and sincerity is believed to bring numerous benefits, including protection from negative effects, overcoming obstacles, and bringing balance and fairness in one's life