Weekend Poojas, Rituals & Mantras: Complete Guide for Saturday and Sunday

Introduction to Weekend Hindu Worship

Weekends hold special spiritual significance in Hindu tradition, with Saturday (Shanivar) and Sunday (Ravivar) each dedicated to powerful deities. Understanding and performing the appropriate poojas, rituals, and mantras on these days can bring prosperity, protection, and divine blessings into your life.

Saturday Poojas and Rituals (Shanivar)

Deity Significance

Saturday is dedicated to Lord Shani Dev (Saturn) and Lord Hanuman. This day is considered highly auspicious for seeking protection from obstacles, karmic relief, and spiritual strength.

Morning Saturday Rituals

1. Wake-Up Practice

• Wake up before sunrise (Brahma Muhurta)
• Take a bath and wear black, dark blue, or purple clothes
• Light a mustard oil lamp facing south direction

2. Shani Dev Pooja Vidhi

• Offer black sesame seeds, black cloth, and mustard oil
• Light a diya with mustard oil
• Offer blue or black flowers
• Donate to the needy (especially food items)

Saturday Mantras

Shani Mantra (108 times):

ॐ शं शनैश्चराय नमः
Om Sham Shanaishcharaya Namah

Shani Gayatri Mantra:

ॐ काकध्वजाय विद्महे खड्गहस्ताय धीमहि।
तन्नो मन्दः प्रचोदयात्॥
Om Kakadhwajaaya Vidmahe Khadga Hastaaya Dheemahi
Tanno Mandah Prachodayaat

Hanuman Chalisa: Recite complete Hanuman Chalisa for protection and strength

Saturday Fasting Rules

• Many devotees observe a fast from sunrise to sunset
• Consume only one meal in the evening after pooja
• Preferred foods: black urad dal, sesame seeds, and items without salt
• Avoid alcohol, non-vegetarian food, and tamasic items

Saturday Evening Practices

• Visit Shani temple or Hanuman temple if possible
• Light a lamp at your home temple
• Offer prasad to Lord Hanuman (preferably jaggery and gram)
• Feed animals, especially crows and dogs

Sunday Poojas and Rituals (Ravivar)

Deity Significance

Sunday is dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun God) and Lord Vishnu. This day represents vitality, success, leadership, and divine illumination.

Morning Sunday Rituals

1. Surya Namaskar Practice

• Wake up before sunrise
• Face east direction
• Perform 12 rounds of Surya Namaskar
• Take bath and wear red, orange, or saffron clothes

2. Surya Dev Pooja Vidhi

• Offer Arghya (water) to rising sun
• Use copper vessel filled with water, red flowers, and rice
• Light a ghee lamp
• Offer red flowers, jaggery, and wheat

Sunday Mantras

Surya Mantra (108 times):

ॐ सूर्याय नमः
Om Suryaya Namah

Aditya Hridayam Stotra: Recite this powerful hymn for health and prosperity

Gayatri Mantra (108 times):

ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं
भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात्॥
Om Bhur Bhuvaḥ Swaḥ Tat Savitur Vareṇyaṃ
Bhargo Devasya Dhīmahi Dhiyo Yo Naḥ Prachodayāt

Surya Gayatri Mantra:

ॐ भास्कराय विद्महे महातेजाय धीमहि।
तन्नो आदित्यः प्रचोदयात्॥
Om Bhaskaraya Vidmahe Mahatejaya Dheemahi
Tanno Adityah Prachodayaat

Sunday Fasting Rules

• Fast from sunrise to sunset
• Some devotees take only one meal at noon
• Preferred foods: wheat-based items, jaggery, red-colored fruits
• Offer water mixed with jaggery to Peepal tree

Sunday Evening Practices

• Light a ghee lamp in front of Lord Vishnu or Surya idol
• Recite Vishnu Sahasranama if possible
• Offer red flowers and sandalwood paste
• Distribute prasad among family members

Common Weekend Spiritual Practices

Both Days Recommendations

Meditation & Yoga:

• Practice meditation for 20-30 minutes
• Perform pranayama (breathing exercises)
• Chant “Om” 21 times

Scripture Reading:

• Saturday: Read Hanuman Chalisa, Shani Stotra
• Sunday: Read Aditya Hridayam, Vishnu Sahasranama

Charity & Seva:

• Saturday: Feed birds and animals, donate black items
• Sunday: Donate wheat, jaggery, or red clothes to the needy

Benefits of Weekend Poojas

Saturday Worship Benefits:

• Relief from Shani Dosha and karmic obstacles
• Protection from evil eye and negative energies
• Mental strength and patience
• Success in legal matters
• Career stability

Sunday Worship Benefits:

• Enhanced vitality and good health
• Success in career and leadership roles
• Increased confidence and willpower
• Improved eyesight and immunity
• Prosperity and fame

Weekend Temple Visits

Recommended Temples:

Saturday: Shani temples, Hanuman temples Sunday: Surya temples, Vishnu temples, Konark Sun Temple

Temple Etiquette:

• Visit barefoot with clean clothes
• Carry appropriate offerings
• Maintain silence during prayers
• Perform parikrama (circumambulation) clockwise

Items Required for Weekend Poojas

Saturday Pooja Items:

• Mustard oil and black sesame seeds
• Black cloth or black flowers
• Iron utensils
• Urad dal and black items
• Incense sticks and camphor

Sunday Pooja Items:

• Copper vessel for Arghya
• Red flowers (hibiscus, rose)
• Wheat and jaggery
• Ghee lamp
• Sandalwood paste
• Red cloth

Astrological Importance

Saturday and Sunday hold unique astrological significance. Saturday’s ruling planet Saturn teaches discipline and karmic lessons, while Sunday’s ruler Sun represents soul, vitality, and divine consciousness. Performing prescribed rituals helps balance planetary influences in one’s horoscope.

Tips for Busy Professionals

If time is limited, follow these simplified practices:

• Spend 15 minutes in morning prayers
• Chant main mantras 21 times instead of 108
• Light a lamp and offer mental prayers
• Listen to devotional songs during commute
• Practice gratitude meditation before sleep

Conclusion

Weekend poojas offer a beautiful opportunity to deepen your spiritual connection while seeking divine blessings for worldly success. Whether you follow elaborate rituals or simple prayers, the key is devotion and consistency. Make these sacred practices part of your weekend routine for holistic well-being and spiritual growth.

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