Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Shanivar Puja at Home: Invoke the Blessings of Lord Shani

Shanivar (Saturday) holds deep spiritual importance in Hinduism. It is the sacred day dedicated to Lord Shani Dev (Saturn) — the stern yet just deity of karma, discipline, and justice. Worshipping Lord Shani with sincere devotion is believed to ease the malefic effects of Shani Dosha, especially during critical astrological phases like Sade Sati, Dhaiya, and Shani Mahadasha.

At HinduTone.com, we bring you a complete, easy-to-follow guide on how to perform Shanivar Puja at home, along with its benefits, myths, and essential dos and don’ts to make your worship spiritually rewarding.

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Why Worship Lord Shani on Saturdays?

Lord Shani, the slowest moving planet among the Navagrahas, plays a significant role in shaping one’s destiny based on karma. His influence can bring immense prosperity or serious trials, teaching valuable life lessons.

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Key Benefits of Shanivar Puja

• Mitigates the adverse effects of Shani Dosha
• Offers relief during Sade Sati or Dhaiya periods
• Supports justice in legal matters
• Enhances patience, discipline, and focus
• Helps in overcoming chronic illnesses and life’s obstacles
• Protects from evil eyes and black magic

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Preparing for Shanivar Puja at Home

Essential Puja Items

• Idol or picture of Lord Shani Dev
• Black sesame seeds (Til)
• Mustard oil (Sarson ka tel)
• Iron or clay diya (lamp)
• Blue or black flowers (e.g., Aparajita or Krishna Kamal)
• Black cloth
• Black urad dal
• Navagraha or Shani mantra book
• Few coins for daan (charity)
• Clean cloth for altar setup

Best Time for Puja

• Every Saturday, preferably during Sandhya Kaal (twilight)
• Special days: Shani Trayodashi, Shani Amavasya, Shani Jayanti
• Fasting on Saturdays amplifies spiritual benefits

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Step-by-Step Shanivar Puja Procedure

Step 1: Cleanse Yourself and the Puja Space

• Bathe early, preferably with Ganga Jal
• Clean the puja area and set up a clean altar or chowki

Step 2: Set Up the Altar

• Place Lord Shani’s image on a black cloth
• Light a mustard oil diya with a black-thread cotton wick
• Offer black sesame seeds and, optionally, install a Navagraha Yantra

Step 3: Sankalp (Vow)

Face west or south-west and mentally resolve to perform the puja for peace, protection, and spiritual upliftment:
“Mama Sarva Paap Kshayaartham, Shani Devata Poojanam Karishye.”

Step 4: Invoke Lord Ganesha

Chant “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah” 11 or 21 times to remove obstacles

Step 5: Offerings to Lord Shani

• Black sesame seeds — for karmic relief
• Black cloth — symbolizes humility and protection
• Mustard oil — offer and light diya
• Urad dal — represents charity and offering
• Iron object — absorbs negative energies
• Blue/black flowers — devotion and surrender

Step 6: Chanting Shani Mantras

Choose from the following powerful mantras:

1. Shani Beej Mantra
   “Om Praam Preem Praum Sah Shanaischaraya Namah”
   Chant 108 times
2. Shani Gayatri Mantra
   “Om Sanaischaraya Vidmahe Sooryaputraya Dhimahi Tanno Manda Prachodayat”
   Chant 11 or 21 times
3. Dasharatha Shani Stotra (Highly recommended)

Step 7: Aarti and Prayer

Perform aarti with the mustard oil lamp while singing:
“Jai Jai Shani Dev Maharaj…”
Conclude with Shani Chalisa or Shani Aarti

Step 8: Prasadam Distribution

Offer cooked rice with urad dal or jaggery, share with family, or donate to the needy

Step 9: Daan and Charity

Recommended donations:

• Black cloth
• Black sesame seeds
• Iron objects
• Mustard oil
• Footwear
• Cooked urad dal

Preferably give to the elderly, poor, differently-abled, or sweepers

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Optional: Shanivar Vrat (Saturday Fast)

Fasting Rules

• One simple, satvik meal after sunset (avoid onion, garlic)
• Preferably avoid salt
• Offer water and light a diya near the Peepal tree in the morning and evening

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Mythological Story of Lord Shani

Son of Surya Dev (Sun God) and Chhaya, Lord Shani is known for his unshakable spiritual power and strict justice. His gaze alone could humble gods and kings alike. Legends speak of how his intense glance even dimmed the Sun’s brilliance.

As the Karmaphal Data (Dispenser of Justice), Shani Dev’s lessons teach righteousness, humility, and endurance — reminding us that no one is above karma.

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Dos and Don’ts for Shanivar Puja

Dos

• Be honest, righteous, and humble
• Respect elders and workers
• Practice satkarma (good deeds)
• Feed crows, dogs, and the poor
• Maintain cleanliness and discipline

Don’ts

• Avoid alcohol, meat, and anger
• Never insult laborers or the underprivileged
• Do not wear red on Saturdays
• Avoid cutting nails or hair

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Famous Shani Temples in India

• Shani Shingnapur (Maharashtra) — Village with houses without doors
• Shani Dham (Delhi) — Tallest idol of Lord Shani
• Kokilavan Dham (Mathura) — Sacred with Shani Dev’s presence
• Thirunallar Shani Temple (Tamil Nadu) — Navagraha Sthalam

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Final Thoughts

Performing Shanivar Puja at home is a profound act of devotion, self-discipline, and karma purification. Lord Shani, the great teacher, imparts life lessons through experiences rather than punishments.

Regular worship, chanting, charity, and righteous living help invoke his blessings and cleanse karmic burdens. Whether facing Sade Sati or seeking spiritual protection, this guide can help you align with Lord Shani’s grace.

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