Some Methods of Worshipping Shani Dev

In Vedic astrology, Shani Dev, or planet Saturn, is the deity who gives you the fruits of your karma (actions). Shani metes out rewards and punishments according to your deeds. He is like a teacher who is also a strict disciplinarian. Therefore, Shani is a very important planet in astrology. Though Shani is considered a malefic, he is actually someone who guides you on the right path by showing you the error of your ways and making you pay for your mistakes. His intent is only to straighten you out, not harm you. It is often found that someone who has been through a harrowing Shani Dasa often repents their misdeeds and turns over a new leaf. Having said that, there is no escape from Shani’s pitiless gaze if you have done evil deeds. The only thing to be done is to repent your mistakes and correct your actions. 

According to astrologers, regular worship of Shani and the performance of certain remedies can mitigate the negative effects of Shani in your horoscope. During the Sade Sati and Dhaiya periods, one can suffer many hardships if one’s karma is not good. One can suffer from diseases, lose one’s job and money, experience problems in family life and marital discord, face problems from enemies, etc.    

If you are going through such problems, you should worship Shani Dev. It can bring some relief. One can worship Shani in many ways. Let us see what they are:

Practice Karma Yoga

Shani is the god of karma. Based on your deeds, he will reward or punish you. So, one way to please Shani is to do good deeds. Do your work without any expectations and help people whenever possible. This will bring abundant blessings from Shani. 

Worship Lord Hanuman on Saturdays

Lord Hanuman and Shani share a special relationship. Once, Shani tried to punish Hanuman, and a fight broke out between them. But Hanuman defeated Shani in the fight. Hanuman applied oil on his body to relieve Shani’s pain. This led to the tradition of offering oil to Shani. Shani also told Hanuman those who worshipped Hanuman on Saturdays would get relief from Shani Doshas. So, many people worship Hanuman on Saturdays to reduce the effects of Shani Dosha.

Make Donations

Making donations of food, money, clothes, and other essentials to the poor is an effective method to worship Shani. Nothing pleases Shani as much as good deeds.

Chant Shani Mantra and Shani Stotram

Mantras are said to have immense power. Chanting Shani Mantra and Shani Stotra can help you connect with the deity and gain his blessings. 

Light Lamp with Mustard/Sesame Oil

Saturdays are dedicated to Shani. One way to worship him is to light a diya with sesame or mustard oil on Saturdays.  

Wear Black and Donate Black Items

Black is the color associated with Shani. On Saturdays, wear black clothes. Also, offer black urad dal, black clothes, black sesame seeds, blankets, and iron utensils on Saturdays.

Avoid Toxic Substances

Abstaining from alcohol, non-vegetarian food, tobacco, etc., pleases Shani.

Do Shani Pooja

Do Shani Pooja at home on Saturdays.

Shani Pooja Vidhi

When doing Shani Pooja at home, one should not have his photo, idol, etc. at home. One can meditate on Shani mentally. 

Those who worship Shani daily should wear black or blue clothes after taking a bath in the morning. Light a lamp with some mustard oil and add some black sesame seeds to it. Sit in the east direction and chant the Shani Mantra or recite Saturn Chalisa. Then, recite Hanuman Chalisa. 

Offer water to a Peepal tree on Saturdays and light an oil lamp there.

Visit Shani temples on Saturday and offer him oil. Light a diya and offer iron, black sesame, black urad, and black clothes to Shani. Never gaze into Shani’s eyes.

Turn the idol to the right or the left and offer Rewari. Donating money to the poor is also good.

Chant the Shani Mantra “Om Pram Prim Praum Sah Shanaisharaya Namah.” 

Help the poor, perform acts of charity without expectations, do not harm anyone, and be ethical in your conduct. All these please, Shani. In fact, these are the best methods to worship Shani Dev.