Shani Jayanti or Shani Amavasya celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Shani (Planet Saturn). For Hindus, this day is important, especially for people who wish to appease Shani and reduce its adverse effects.
Shani, according to mythology, is the son of Surya (Sun god) and Chhaya. He is an important Graha or planet in Vedic astrology as he is the planet of karma and justice. Being a strict disciplinarian, he can cause great hardship and suffering to those who do Adharma, so people tend to fear Shani.
Hindus observe certain rituals as part of Shani Jayanti. They take holy dips, offer prayers, and perform acts of charity on this day. Some dos and don’ts are also followed.
Here are the most important dos and don'ts for Shani Jayanti.
Holy dip in the Ganga
Taking a holy dip in the Ganga on this day is very auspicious. It is a key ritual to honor Lord Shani. Here is how to do it:
- Wake up early, if possible, during Brahma Muhurat (2 hours before sunrise).
- Add some Gangajal to the bath water.
- After the bath, wear clean clothes.
- Maintain celibacy.
- Do Sankalpa by making a pledge to observe the day with devotion.
- Observe a Vrat/fast.
- Light a lamp with some sesame oil in a brass or earthen vessel.
- This ritual is one that symbolizes purification. It helps appease Shani and gain his blessings.
2. Lighting a Diya with Mustard Oil
Lighting a diya or lamp with mustard oil is believed to represent the removal of darkness and ignorance. Get the Pooja Samagri ready and ensure mental readiness and purification before invoking Shani. Here is how to do it:
- Awake early, preferably during Brahma Muhurat.
- Bathe in water mixed with some Gangajal.
- After the bath, wear fresh clothes.
- Maintain celibacy.
- Do Sankalpa.
- Light a diya with some sesame oil in a brass or earthen lamp.
- Also, chant the Shani Mantra, “Om Shang Shanaishcharaye Namah,” while lighting the lamp.
It is also very auspicious to light a diya near a Peepal tree and perform Shani Tailabhishekam at a temple or Shani Shanti Pooja at home. Add some black sesame seeds in the diya as well to please Shani.
3. Chaya Daan
This is a unique ritual where the devotee donates mustard oil after looking at their own reflection in it. This supposedly pleases Shani and reduces the negative effects of Shani Dosha. The procedure is given below:
1. Fill a vessel with mustard oil.
2. Look into the oil and see your reflection.
3. Offer the oil to the needy or donate it to a temple.
It is best to do Chaya Daan during the evening or Sandhya Kaal, as this time is of great importance in Vedic rituals and is also ideal for offerings.
Recite the Mantra 'Om Sham Shanaishcharaye Namah' while making the donation.
The significance of Chaya Daan lies in the acts of self-reflection and donation, which are aligned with Saturn’s themes of divine justice and karmic consequences.
Combine this ritual with others, like fasting on fruits or consuming sattvik food using rock salt and reciting Shani Mantras. This ensures spiritual growth and alleviates adverse planetary influences.
4. Fasting
Fasting is an important Shani Jayanti ritual. It helps appease Shani and reduces the malefic effects of Saturn in your horoscope.
One should observe the fast with true devotion and follow certain guidelines.
- Awake early, during Brahma Muhurat (2 hours before sunrise).
- Add some Gangajal to the bath water for purification.
- Wear clean clothes after the bath.
- Practice celibacy.
- Perform Sankalpa, pledging to observe the fast with devotion.
- Light a diya with some sesame oil in a brass or earthen vessel.
- During the fast, consume only fruits or sattvik food (with rock salt or sendha namak). It is ideal to keep the fast during the Pradosh period (evening time). Perform Pooja as well.
Fasting on Shani Jayanti is a way for devotees to seek blessings and release negative energies, aligning with the spiritual significance of Amavasya.
Reciting Mantras like 'Om Namah Shivaye,' 'Om Sham Shanaishcharaye Namah,' and 'Neelanjan Samabasam Rabi Putram Yamaagarjam Chaaya Martanda Sambhutam Tam Namami Sannescharan' can bring the blessings of Shani.
5. Make Donations
Shani Jayanti is a good time to do acts of charity and make donations. This boosts your good karma and reduces the adverse effects of Shani. It can also create positive changes in your life. Here is how to go about it:
- Perform Tarpanam and please your ancestors.
- Donate cash, food, or other things to the needy.
- Take part in Tantric Poojas to get the blessings of Shani.
- Doing acts of charity and helping others can reduce the suffering caused by Saturn. Shani Tailabhishekam is also regarded as a form of charity.
6. Recite Hanuman Chalisa
Lord Hanuman is said to protect people from Shani’s torments. Hence, people recite the Hanuman Chalisa on Shani Jayanti, as it can protect them against Saturn’s adverse effects.
Supposedly, Shani himself promised that he would cause no harm to Hanuman's devotees.
Hanuman Chalisa should be recited several times throughout the day (7 or 11 times, which are auspicious numbers).
Here is how to go about it:
1. Take a holy dip in the Ganga and purify yourself.
2. Light a brass or earthen diya with sesame oil before Hanuman’s idol.
3. Recite (aloud) the Hanuman Chalisa with true devotion.
4. Perform Tarpanam for your deceased ancestors.
5. Maintain celibacy.
6. End the fast with a sattvik meal.
7. Perform Havan and Pooja
By performing Havan and Pooja, one can appease Shani and gain his blessings.
Offer fruits, flowers, etc., during the Pooja. Consult the Panchang to find auspicious dates and times to perform the rituals.
One can also perform special Poojas like the Naamkaran Pooja, Shiv Puran Pooja, and Bhoomi Pooja. An expert astrologer can help you with the procedures.
Perform the Pooja during Pradosh or evening time, also called Sandhya Kaal.
People who are fasting can take fruits or sattvik food. Use only rock salt or sendha namak. Recite Mantras like 'Om Namah Shivaye' and 'Om Sham Shanaishcharaye Namah' as well.
Mantras to recite during the Pooja:
- Om Namah Shivaye..!!
- Om Sham Shanaishcharaye Namah..!!
- Neelanjan Samabasam Rabi Putram Yamaagarjam Chaaya Martanda Sambhutam Tam Namami Sannescharan..!!
8. Avoid Non-Vegetarian Food
One should avoid non-vegetarian food on this day. Consuming eggs, meat, fish, etc., reduces spiritual benefits and purity. Following a clean and pure diet is essential to boost the positive effects of the rituals.
- Avoid meat, eggs, fish, etc.
- Avoid onion and garlic as they are tamasic (impure) in nature.
- Consume simple, sattvik (pure) foods. This brings clarity and helps in meditation and prayer.
- A vegetarian diet aligns with principles like non-violence and purity. This attracts the grace of Lord Shani.
9. Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco
Abstain from impure substances, like alcohol and tobacco.
Such substances reduce the spiritual benefits and the rituals’ sanctity. Maintain purity in both thought and action if you want Shani’s blessings.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages.
- Avoid tobacco in any form.
- Follow a lifestyle that is pure and clean.
- By avoiding alcohol and tobacco, one can honor the spirit of Shani Jayanti.
10. Avoid Auspicious Events
On Shani Jayanti, do not get involved in any new or important endeavors, as it is inauspicious. Do not start anything new or take up important tasks on this day to avoid incurring Shani's displeasure. Shani Jayanti is meant for introspection and devotion, not celebration or commencement.
- Avoid attending auspicious events or ceremonies.
- Do not launch new ventures or sign important documents.
- Do not wear gold or silver jewelry, as it can displease Shani.
- Avoid sleeping during the daytime.
- On Shani Jayanti, focus on worship and adherence to the rituals for Shani. Do not flaunt your wealth or pursue materialistic pleasures.
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