Purattasi Sani Viratham Procedure

Significance of Purattasi Sani

The Tamil month of Purattasi (Sept-Oct) is a very sacred month for Hindus. Important festivals like Mahalaya Paksha, Pitru Paksha, and Sharad Navratri are celebrated during this month.

Hindus believe that during this month, Vishnu came to earth in the form of

Venkateshwara/Balaji, the God of wealth. He is the protector of human beings during the Kali Yuga. Those who worship him during Purattasi month can be blessed with health, wealth, and spiritual progress.

During Purattasi month, Vishnu devotees do not eat onion or garlic. They also avoid non-vegetarian food. Special Poojas and grand celebrations take place at the Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati. Though the entire month is ideal for worshipping Vishnu, Purattasi Sani is believed to be particularly auspicious.

Astrological Significance of Purattasi Sani

In this month, the Sun is in the Virgo sign. Mercury rules this sign. The deity in charge of Mercury is Vishnu. The Hindu scriptures claim that worshipping Vishnu on Purattasi Sani (Saturdays) can reduce the ill effects of Sani or Planet Saturn on their lives.

The Story behind Purattasi Sani

Many years ago, in Tirumala, there was a humble Vishnu devotee. He was very devoted to Venkateshwara and loved to serve the deity and his devotees. However, at one time, he had to suffer a lot as he was undergoing the Sade Sati phase. Now, as everyone knows, during this period, Sani or Saturn causes many problems in the person’s life due to his past and present karma.

The devotee also had to bear the brunt of this phase. He lost his wealth, his health deteriorated, and he also faced many other difficulties. But instead of losing faith in God or cursing him for his plight, the man continued to worship Vishnu even in the midst of all his problems. This surprised even Sani, who tried his best to wean the devotee away from Venkateswara.

Sani eventually became impatient and arrogant and caused great harm to the devotee. Finally, Venkateswara appeared before his devotee and rescued him from Sani’s clutches. He also gave him immense wealth and fortune. Sani could not bear the deity’s wrath for testing his sincere devotee so much. He asked Vishnu to pardon him and also swore that he would not bother those who observed the Purattasi Sani Viratham.

Hence, during Purattasi month, Saneeswara reduces his malefic power and bestows many benefits on Venkateswara’s faithful devotees.

Also, it is believed that performing Pooja on this day and observing Viratham can bring relief to devotees who are suffering due to prolonged illness, monetary loss, and delays in marriage. Hence, people worship Venkateswara and observe fast on Purattasi Saturdays to appease Sani.

Procedure for Purattasi Sani Viratham

All through the year, Hindus observe many Virathams or fasts. The basic procedures for most Virathams are similar, but there may be minor variations based on the region, traditions, and the deity in question.

The steps for observing the Purattasi Sani Viratham are given below:

· The fast must be observed until the Purattasi Sani Pooja is completed.

· Wash a sombu (pot) well before drawing the Chakram, Sanghu, and Namam with namakatti or rice flour paste. Allow it to dry.

· For the Neivedyam, make Maavilakku, sweet Pongal, Tamarind rice, Coconut rice, Curd rice, Chana dal sundal, Anjaneyar Kovil vadai, Sesame seeds rice, and Pepper vadai.

· Perform the Pooja at an auspicious time. Rahukalam and Yamagandam must be avoided.

· Light the lamp and incense sticks. Keep the fruits, betel leaves, nuts, and coconut on a plate.

· During the Purattasi Shani Vratham, chanting the Vishnu Sahasranama (1000 names of Lord Maha Vishnu) can be very beneficial.

· Light the maavilakku and offer the Neivedyam to the deity with tulsi water in a small container.

· After offering the Neivedhyams, place a little bit of each item on a banana leaf or a big plate in front of the sombu or pot.

· Show dhoop and dheep and finish the Pooja. Take a sip of the tulsi water and then have lunch.

Purattasi Sani Viratham’s Benefits

· Devotees who observe the Purattasi Viratham can receive Venkateshwara’s blessings for health, wealth, and happiness.

· It diminishes Sani’s malefic planetary effects on your life.

· The Viratham helps you to gain control of your senses and focus more on God.

· Observing the Purattasi Sani Viratham can bring relief from all problems.

· The Sattvik diet during the Viratham is good for your health.

· Helps one attain Moksha.