Importance of Saturday (Shanivar) in Hinduism
Saturday, or Shanivar, holds great significance in Hinduism due to its association with Shani (Saturn), one of the Navagrahas (nine celestial bodies) in Hindu astrology. Shani is a powerful yet sometimes feared deity, believed to influence one’s karma and destiny. Devotees worship Shani Dev to seek protection from negative astrological influences and to ward off misfortunes.
History and Mythological Background of Shani
Shani is the son of Surya (Sun God) and Chhaya (Shadow Goddess), and his brother is Yama, the god of death. According to mythology:
- Shani’s gaze brings challenges, obstacles, and hardships, but these teach essential life lessons related to karma and righteousness.
- His slow-moving nature symbolizes patience, endurance, and reflection in life.
- He ensures justice is served, rewarding good deeds and punishing wrong actions.
Significance of Saturday
Saturday is dedicated to Shani Dev, making it an auspicious day for worship, fasting, and spiritual practices. Devotees believe that observing these rituals:
- Reduces obstacles and hardships.
- Balances planetary energies.
- Enhances personal growth and prosperity.
Shani Dev and Worship on Saturday
Shani Dev is worshipped on Saturdays, especially during periods of:
- Sade Sati (seven-and-a-half-year period of Saturn’s influence).
- Shani Dhaiya (two-and-a-half-year phase).
Other deities worshipped on Saturdays to neutralize Shani’s impact:
- Lord Hanuman (protector from Shani’s influence).
- Lord Bhairava (a fierce form of Shiva).
Rituals and Practices on Saturday
1. Fasting (Shani Vratam)
- Devotees observe a fast, consuming only fruits or a simple meal after sunset.
- The fast is believed to please Shani Dev and mitigate malefic effects.
2. Lighting Lamps
- Lighting sesame oil lamps in front of Shani Dev or near a Peepal tree is a common practice.
- Offerings of black sesame seeds, mustard oil, black cloth, or iron objects are considered auspicious.
3. Visiting Shani Temples
- Devotees visit Shani temples such as Shani Shingnapur Temple in Maharashtra or Navagraha temples.
- Special prayers and abhishekam (ritual bathing of the idol) are performed.
4. Offering Black Items
- Items such as black sesame seeds, black urad dal, black clothes are offered to Shani Dev.
- These offerings help lessen Shani’s negative influence.
5. Helping the Needy
- Charity is a powerful way to earn Shani’s blessings.
- Feeding the poor or animals like crows is believed to reduce Saturn’s adverse effects.
Mantras and Slokas to Chant on Saturday
1. Shani Beej Mantra
ॐ प्रां प्रीं प्रौं सः शनैश्चराय नमः।
Om Praam Preem Praum Sah Shaneshcharaya Namah॥
Benefits: Reduces obstacles and ensures protection from adversities.
2. Shani Gayatri Mantra
ॐ कालद्वजाय विद्महे खड्गहस्ताय धीमहि तन्नो मन्दः प्रचोदयात्॥
Om Kaladwajaya Vidmahe Khadgahasthaya Dheemahi Tanno Manda Prachodayat॥
Benefits: Invokes Shani’s blessings for wisdom, patience, and endurance.
3. Shani Mahamantra
ॐ नीलांजनसमाभासं रविपुत्रं यमाग्रजम्।
छायामार्तण्डसम्भूतं तं नमामि शनैश्चरम्॥
Om Neelanjanasamaabhasam Raviputram Yamagrajam। Chaayaamartandasambhootam Tam Namaami Shanaihcharam॥
Benefits: Seeks protection and grace from Shani Dev.
4. Hanuman Chalisa
- Chanting Hanuman Chalisa on Saturdays helps in pacifying Shani Dev.
- Hanuman is considered Shani’s protector, reducing his adverse effects.
Vrat (Fasting) Rituals and Observances on Saturday
Shani Vrat (Saturday Fast)
- Devotees facing Saturn’s adverse effects, particularly during Sade Sati, observe a strict fast.
- The fast begins at sunrise and ends at sunset.
- Salt is avoided; devotees consume a simple meal of fruits or milk in the evening.
Vrat Rituals
- Morning Bath & Temple Visit: Devotees wear black or dark-colored clothes and visit Shani temples.
- Offerings: Black sesame seeds, mustard oil, iron items, or black cloth are offered.
- Charity: Feeding the poor and offering food to crows is highly auspicious.
Other Deities Worshipped on Saturday
1. Lord Hanuman
- Hanuman rescued Shani from imprisonment, making him an important deity for protection against Shani’s wrath.
2. Lord Bhairava
- A fierce form of Shiva, Bhairava’s worship neutralizes Saturn’s malefic effects.
Conclusion
Saturday is a day of immense spiritual significance in Hinduism, dedicated to Lord Shani, the harbinger of justice and karmic balance. Worshipping Shani Dev through fasting, charity, and mantra chanting helps in:
- Reducing Saturn’s negative effects.
- Promoting patience, perseverance, and personal growth.
- Bringing peace, prosperity, and spiritual elevation.
Observing Saturday rituals with sincerity and devotion can help devotees overcome challenges and attract Shani Dev’s blessings for a prosperous life.
