Lord Shani or Shani Dev is shown as a dark figure riding a chariot pulled by crows or black horses. Shani Puja is a worship of Lord Shani and it is believed that he is a lord of justice. It is not just a worship to Lord Shani to avoid hardships but also a life of discipline, patience and justice. Devotees perform rituals to seek his blessings for relief from difficulties. It is believed that Shani Dev rewards people based on their deeds and his blessings ensure that one stays on the right path.
Benefits of Shani Puja
Lord Shani is associated with the planet Saturn and it is said that he ruled over Karma. It is believed that Shani dev rewards people based on their deeds and his purpose is to correct and guide individuals on the path of righteousness and justice.
- Worshipping Shani Dev brings inner peace and spiritual growth and helps to balance personal and professional life.
- One can seek Lord Shani's blessings to clear past karmic debts and gain the strength to face challenges by worshipping Lord Shani
- Shani Puja can be beneficial for improving one’s health and for those who are suffering from long-term health issues.
- It protects from accidents, failures and unwanted disturbances caused by negative planetary alignments.
Types of Shani Puja
Shani Puja can be performed in different ways, depending on individual needs and the astrological position of Saturn in their horoscope. Below are some common types of Shani Puja:
- Shani Tailabhishek Puja
- Shani Shanti Puja
- Shani Sade Sati Puja
- Shani Yagya
- Shani Graha Shanti Puja
- Shani Yantra Puja
- Shani Pradosh Vrat Puja
- Shani Amavasya Puja
- Shani Jayanti Puja
- Shani Dosh Nivaran Puja
Shani Pujan Samagri
The list of items that are commonly required for Shani Puja:
- Black Sesame Seeds
- Mustard oil or sesame oil
- Iron Objects
- Blue SapphireGemstone
- Black Gram (Urad Dal)
- Black Cloth
When and How to Perform Shani Puja
It is believed that Saturday is the most significant day to worship Lord Shani. However, Shani Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Shani Dev and Amavasya, the New Moon day is an auspicious day for performing Shani Puja.
- Perform Shani Puja by fasting on Saturday or consume only one meal a day.
- Offer black sesame seed, black cloth, oil and iron objects to please Shani Dev.
- Reciting Shani Mantras can invoke the blessing of Lord Shani.
- Pour mustard oil or sesame seed oil over the Shani Dev idol.
- Light a lamp with sesame seed oil under a Peepal tree on Saturday evening.
- Visit Shani Dev Temples on Saturday to seek his blessings.
Mantras for Shani Puja
Shani Gayatri Mantra and Shani Beej Mantra are the most popular mantras to mitigate the harmful effects of Shani and to receive protection and guidance.
- Shani Gayatri Mantra - ॐ शनैश्चराय विद्महे, सूर्यपुत्राय धीमहि, तन्नो मंदा प्रचोदयात्ॐ शनैश्चराय विद्महे, सूर्यपुत्राय धीमहि, तन्नो मंदा प्रचोदयात्
- Shani Beej Mantra - ॐ प्रां प्रीं प्रौं सः शनैश्चराय नमः
